Rams shouldn't hesitate to put these 3 players on trade block now

The 5-2 Los Angeles Rams rolled into their Week 8 BYE on the back of two consecutive and impressive victories. As such, it's easy to see the team as unshakably prepared for the future gauntlet of 10 NFL opponents to close out the season. Yet, history tells a different story.

The 2021 version of the Los Angeles Rams started out like a fireball. But the team placed disgruntled veteran wide receiver DeSean Jackson on the trade block before outright cutting him. Personnel changes, like pruning a bush, are not only understandable.

Sometimes it is vital to cut back.. Right now, the team may need to consider pruning the roster to give other contributors enough work to be ready for the postseason.

General manager Les Snead is a riverboat gambler on the November 4 NFL trade deadline. If there is a way to improve the team, he will not only find it, but he will make it happen. As we had indicated, Los Angeles is thought to be a team seeking cornerback help at the trade deadline. If so, then a subsequent move to create a roster spot could be necessary. Who should the Rams release? Well, there may be another way.

Les Snead shouldn't hesitate to put these 3 players on trade block now

Some players need to make way for younger talent, and these are three players who could be on the move to make room for talented younger players.

3. ILB Troy Reader

It was obvious in Week 6 that rookie inside linebacker Shaun Dolac is ready for a larger role on the defensive side of the football. He competed with veteran Troy Reeder, but he was clearly the more impactful defender in Omar Speights' absence. Now the team must figure out a way to ensure Dolac sees more playing time.

One guaranteed way to do that is to trade Reeder at the trade deadline for a 'make us an offer' asking price. It won't swell the coffers with draft picks, but the on-field benefit could warrant it. Several teams would benefit from a veteran linebacker. LA is simply no longer among them.

3. RB Blake Corum

Surprisingly, the speculative trade suggestion for Baltimore Ravens veteran running back Derrick Henry was warmly received by Ravens fans. In the proposed exchange, I had purposefully included former Michigan running back Blake Corum as part of the trade package for Henry. Multiple Ravens fans like the idea.

Corum was a star for then Michigan Wolverines head coach Jim Harbaugh, brother of Ravens head coach John Harbaugh. As such, many Ravens fans hold Corum in high regard, despite his modest production for Los Angeles. Right now, Corum is keeping rookie running back Jarquez Hunter on the bench. If the offer is right, perhaps the team should sell high?

1. WR Tutu Atwell

While it's not wide receiver Tutu Atwell's fault that he has disappeared almost entirely from the offense this season, the fact remains. Atwell was believed to be ready for a larger role in this offense. Instead, he is no more than an afterthought. He is still a dangerous receiver, and in the right offense with enough work, could be a solid contributor.

He simply doesn't fit what the offense is all about. At least, not like rookie wide receiver Konata Mumpfield.

Must the team make these moves? Well, the Rams are winning with them, so the answer is no. But at the trade deadline, the team could emerge with a more robust roster by creating opportunities for younger players who desperately need the work. It's a strategy that not many fans will embrace, but it could be successful.

As always, thanks for reading.