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Who can still earn a roster spot in Rams' preseason finale vs Chargers

Alex can Cook, Al'zillion can zip, and Wesley Bailey is just a beast.
Fresno State Bulldogs defensive back Al'zillion Hamilton.
Fresno State Bulldogs defensive back Al'zillion Hamilton. | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

If you think that the drama and decisions are all over but for the shouting, you're probably right when it comes to the Los Angeles Rams' roster.

Still, there are several opportunities to make the team, particularly if left tackle Alaric Jackson or receiver Puka Nacua is suspended to start the season.

The need to prepare for those scenarios has already been addressed. If the roster finds itself shy a spot or two in Week 1, here are several players who could sneak in with a highlight reel performance in the preseason finale against the Los Angeles Chargers.

1. Cornerback Al'zillion Hamilton

The Rams defense proved its worth by pitching a shutout against the New Orleans Saints in the second preseason game. AZ Hamilton was one of the stars. He not only led the defense with six tackles, but added an interception to boot. LA boasts a robust crew of veterans in the secondary, but a rookie who could grow into a starting role in future seasons would be a wise investment.

2. Edge rusher Wesley Bailey

Wesley Bailey has shown up and shown out. In two games, he has put up seven tackles off the edge, as well as a huge sack and countless pressures. Let's see what he can do in Game 3.

LA loved Bailey and scooped him up quickly after the draft. It would be shameful to lose him to another team now. Rams fans still feel the sting of losing offensive lineman Willie Lampkin in similar fashion a year ago.

3. Defensive back Alex Cook

Former UFL players like Cook have provided a talent pipeline for Los Angeles. Cook may have shown too much, too little, too late to make this team. But in two preseason games, he has already recorded six tackles and a pick-six. That's pretty impressive for a guy who missed much of training camp.

Cook is a seasoned veteran who has wasted no time making his mark. He deserves a chance to show what he can do.

One player who would have made the list is running back Jarquez Hunter, before he was flipped to the Dolphins Thursday afternoon in exchange for ex-Rams receiver Tutu Atwell. A fleet-footed powerhouse who loves to attack defensive perimeters, Hunter rushed 21 times for 103 yards and a touchdown in two preseason contests. The depth chart just didn't have room.

As it is, every player above runs the risk of being claimed by other teams if the Rams waive them hoping to stash them on the practice squad. If coaches believe they're too valuable to risk, any could be surprise keepers on the 53-man roster.

For Hamilton, Bailey, and Cook, strengthening their roster cases comes down to one more game. Wish them luck.

As always, thanks for reading.

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