Rams may gain distinct advantage as NFL tinkers with roster timeline

The Los Angeles Rams approach the preseason in a rather unique fashion. Unlike other NFL teams that use preseason games as a means to knock the rust off returning veterans and perceived starters for the upcoming season, LA treats the preseason as a showcase and proving ground for players who have not secured a roster spot.

As a result, fans of Los Angeles may have an advantage this year, at least when it comes down to foreknowledge of who will and will not make the team. It appears that the NFL has accelerated the deadline to make all roster cuts from the traditional Tuesday to the Sunday preceding the former deadline.

So how does that give Los Angeles an advantage? While other team mix the preseason among starters, rotational players, and players on the bubble, head coach Sean McVay reserves preseason game platforms to afford work to bubble players and raw rookies. In essence, the players in greatest need of preseason snaps get them.

NFL just pushed all teams to adopt Rams preseason preference

The LA Rams do not convene at the end of the preseason to decide the fate of 90 players. Before the first preseason game, the fate of approximately 30 players has already been determined. By the conclusion of the first preseason game, McVay has inked the name of approximately 45 players to his roster.

In Game 3 of the preseason, the entire 53-man Rams roster has been filled. The final preseason game allows players who did not earn a roster spot to show up and claim a practice squad spot.

It's not that Los Angeles is at the forefront of all NFL changes. But the team is quick to break tradition in the quest to anticipate change and leverage advantages along the way. Los Angeles sends minimal executive representation to the annual NFL Scouting Combine.

Instead, the team uses the event to meet, gather data, and form collaborative discussions on prospects and fits with the team.

As strange as it may sound, LA has enjoyed significant success by pushing the boundaries of innovative thinking. Right now, it appears that LA may have the jump on the competition once more.

As always, thanks for reading.

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