Rams roster grades over trades, extensions, releases, and FA projections

(5) - ILB Christian Rozeboom

One of the positions that will certainly be the focus for many Rams fans is the inside linebacker position. The team unexpectedly traded away veteran ILB Ernest Jones III just before the start of the 2024 NFL season, and was painted into a corner to start ILB Christian Rozeboom and Troy Reeder to open the year. While coaches never backed off a full endorsement of both Rozeboom and Reeder, the team struggled with their pairing early in the season. It was not until Reeder fell to injury and was replaced by undrafted rookie linebacker Omar Speights that the defense began to show some backbone.

Given the circumstances, Rozeboom was okay. But the image of his being pancaked multiple times in 2024 leaves the impression that he can be upgraded.

Grade for ILB Christian Rozeboom: Incomplete

(6) - ILB Troy Reeder

If the Rams could assure me that any extension of veteran inside linebacker Troy Reeder would limit him to special teams and backing up starters at the inside linebacker position, I might find myself in favor of bringing him back. But whenever he is on the Rams roster, he invariably seems to wriggle his way to a starting role, and that proves to be disastrous. Standing 6-foot-3 and weighing 236 pounds, you would be correct in expecting Reeder to be physical in both run and pass defense. But when the football is snapped, he reverts to a back-peddling, missed tackling guy who seems to specialize in being out of position to make a play.

I hope the Rams allow him to seek opportunity elsewhere.

Grade for ILB Troy Reeder: Incomplete

(7) - OLB Michael Hoecht

I do not think any other defender puts DC Chris Shula's strategy more on display than DT/OLB Michael Hoecht. His ability to play in a 2-, 3-, or 4-point stance gives this defense such a wide variety of looks that offenses have to prepare for just about anything. Hoecht may attract some interest in free agency, but his optimal value remains playing for the Rams.

Grade for OLB Michael Hoecht: Incomplete

(8) - QB Jimmy Garoppolo

If veteran QB Jimmy Garoppolo insists in competing for a starting role in 2025, that will mean his signing to play for another team. But his fit with the Rams came easily. I don't know if he wants to come back, but even if the team drafts a rookie quarterback, he still has a role with the team as a primary backup for 2025. But I expect, like other veteran quarterbacks before, he will sign elsewhere.

Grade for QB Jimmy Garoppolo: Incomplete

(9) - S John Johnson IIII

While the Rams roster seems to be saturated with talent at the safety position, I am all in favor of bringing back veteran safety John Johnson III. His 2024 NFL season as lost to injury, but he is a solid plug-and-play contributor who is more than happy to pay-it-forward by mentoring younger players. Of course, it has to be at the right price, but he is a solid locker room leader.