Rams get 'Strong'er on the practice squad, and other roster signings

II: NT Kevin Strong

The LA Rams official announcement regarding signing Kevin Strong to the practice squad cites him as a nose tackle. But over his five NFL seasons, he has played as a defensive tackle and as a defensive end. His most active role occured in 2023, when he appeared in 14 games and started 11 games for the Arizona Cardinals at defensive end. Kevin Strong put up some respectable numbers last year.

Despite what seems to be an effective rotational role with the Arizona Cardinals, the team did not extend the 6-foot-4, 295 pound defensive lineman for 2024. But his height and versatility does earmark him as a solid piece to backfill the absence of 6-foot-5, 295-pound defensive end Jonah Williams.

As a defensive end for the Cardinals, Strong had career-high production. In 468 defensive snaps, he put up 2.5 quarterback sacks, 46 tackles, five tackles for a loss, three quarterback hits, six quarterback pressures, and three quarterback hurries. While not Pro Bowl numbers, those are pretty solid statistics for a player who fills a rotational role.

Perhaps one of his most attractive qualities is his ability to slide up and down the defensive front and play a meaningful role wherever he lines up. First year Defensive Coordinator Chris Shula is already gaining notoriety for his unorthodox defensive formations. He can throw so many different looks at opposing offenses because he has so many versatile and productive players to work with.

Strong may be signed to the practice squad, but he has the opportunity to be activated three times to compete in games. Keep an eye on him, as I suspect he will be called up at least once before season's end.