Rams roster is full, but Dean Connors just earned other teams' attention

The Los Angeles Rams found unexpected talent up and down the roster in their first preseason game. Quarterback Ty Simpson quickly silenced his critics. Tight end Max Klare proved himself as both a blocker and a pass-catcher.

But the greatest shocker came in the form of running back Dean Connors, who arrived in April as one of 18 undrafted rookie signings. Even in a crowd, he stands out. A Swiss-Army-knife offensive weapon, Connors can run, catch, and block. He can run routes like a seasoned veteran. Unfortunately, with a Rams running-back room led by Kyren Williams and Blake Corum, plus Ronnie Rivers and Jarquez Hunter, Connors has almost no chance of making the roster.

But in the minds of many Rams fans, he should. And if LA tries to sneak him to the practice squad, he will likely be gone like that. Plenty of teams would jump at the chance to claim a dual-threat powerback like Connors was in college at Rice and Houston.

Due to rapid preseason rotations, he only managed six carries for 22 yards. But he also caught four of four passes for 29 yards. Oh, by the way, he turned two receptions into the only touchdowns of the day. Now that's a way to show up and get the coaches' attention. And Connors did all that as only a part-time performer.

Connors put multi-dimensional skillset on full display for Rams

Nobody would have picked Connors to score a touchdown, let alone two. Not even Connors could have guessed he would be the only player in the game to reach the end zone. But he has all the right skills. Against the Chiefs, he was the right player at the right time to score.

Don't discount his performance by claiming he faced an unworthy defense. Every player on the field gave their all. It just worked out that Connors' all was more. He earned the right to play. In Los Angeles, running backs must prove they can block and carry long before having the chance to catch passes. Connors handled all three responsibilities, and handled them well.

Fans were impressed with his two touchdown receptions. Coaches were impressed by his bone-jarring blocks. He ran with determination. In a preseason debut, he wowed.

Connors appeared on the bottom rung of the Rams' unofficial depth chart. Even after a sizzling debut, he may not move up. Veterans Rivers and Jordan Waters, who ripped off a 26-yard gain on Saturday, have a vast edge in experience. Hunter has spent a year in the organization after being drafted last season.

While that showing may not earn Connors a depth-chart promotion, it almost certainly placed him on the NFL radar. If he is released during roster cutdowns, expect him to be claimed on waivers before the Rams can sign him to the practice squad.

All running backs who crack an offseason roster can do something well. But too few can do everything well. Connors deserves his shot somewhere, and with any luck, he'll get it.

As always, thanks for reading.

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