There's a story to tell over latest Rams 2 activations from their practice squad

The LA Rams front office is one of the most innovating NFL personnel offices in the league. If there is a way to leverage the rules to adapt an optimal roster, leave it to GM Les Snead and company to figure out the best way to do so. The Rams used to leverage tomorrow's draft picks for today's game-changing veterans. When that strategy stalled in 2022 with two trade offers for Carolina Panthers star players, the front office retrenched and regrouped.

The result was the amazing rookie classes from both the 2023 and 2024 NFL drafts. Some of the greatest success stories have erupted from Day 3 and even undrafted rookies. Rams fans have a great deal to be excited about, not just in 2024, but for years to come.

But that is not where this story begins. This tale is about how the front office has learned to leverage and deploy players from the practice squad. The two players activated off the practice squad for Week 12 are DB Cam Lampkin and DE Jonah Williams.

Now, here' why there is a story to tell about these two players:

Rams use practice squad to prepare future role players

The Rams have done a commendable job of integrating practice squad players into gameday roles. The most obvious was the activation of punter Ty Zentner to cover the punting duties for an injured Ethan Evans. But he was just one of the players who found a home playing on game day. WR Xavier Smith earned a roster spot after an electrifying punt return in Week 3 led the Rams to a shocking come-from-behind win over the San Francisco 49ers.

There is also veteran DB Ahkello Witherspoon, who was activated form the practice squad multiple times before earning a spot on the active roster. So it appears that the front office has adopted a new strategy. Give players a chance to prove their fit and skillset to coaches on the practice squad. Once they have established themselves, then sign them to the active roster.

The other Washington State Cougar rookie

When the LA Rams signed undrafted rookie cornerback Cam Lampkin to the team after the 2024 NFL Draft, the team added a mature and highly effective defensive back who played very well against some of the best wide receivers in the nation. And it was that highly lauded background that warranted a feature article about his collegiate career, and why fans should take note of his prospects to make the team.

While an undrafted rookie, he allowed just six of 11 targets to find their mark in preseason. And with the Rams secondary still not 'there,' in terms of optimal production, Lampkin makes sense to join the ranks of defensive backs to compete in Week 12.

He wants to pattern his game after former Rams DB Jalen Ramsey. And it's awfully difficult not to cheer for a defensive back whose nickname is CLamp.

Reunited and it feels so good

I was disappointed when the LA Rams failed to extend defensive end Jonah Williams after the 2023 NFL season. But the reason was not just about the team's need for effective defensive linemen. Williams was a starting defensive end for the Rams last season. And a pattern of young defenders bursting with production after their rookie contracts have plagued the team frequently.

DE Morgan Fox, OLB Samson Ebukam, and OLB Ogbonnia Okoronkwo have all had respectable NFL careers after the Rams. And Jonah Williams appeared on track to continue that tradition. But the Rams claimed him from the Minnesota Vikings practice squad, only to release him a month later. The team did not re-sign him until November 6, 2024. And then the team only signed him to the practice squad.

He has played 35 defensive snaps this season. He has three tackles, one quarterback pressure, and one tackle for a loss. As this is his final elevation from the practice squad, you can expect the team to make room on the active roster in the next week or two.

Williams not only adds valuable experience to the defensive front. He is a jack-of-all-trades, adding effective run defense with some pass rush, and the Rams need that combination on the defensive front to make a playoff push this season. He may not be the star of the show, but he plays a vital role this season

As always, thanks for reading.

More Rams News and Analysis