Sam versus Westbrooks: I think the Rams should treat cuts just like the draft and go with best available. So what if you end up with one more D.E. than you need? They both have proven they belong in this league. In my mind you use the same philosophy as the draft. You draft Donald over HaHa because he's better, even if you need a safety. You keep Sam or Westbrooks over your bottom CB or Safety for the same reason - they're better. Besides, nobody's gonna be looking at who the Rams cut at CB or Safety to put on their team. They'll make it to our practice squad. Sam or Westbrooks would be picked up immediately.
BPA within reason is a very good draft strategy. It's also good in forming a roster. But here, the within reason part comes into play.
A 10th defense lineman that doesn't contribute on special teams (per Fisher) can leave the TEAM short a necessary position player elsewhere. And this becomes more noticeable when one participates in the exercise of guessing the 53 man roster.
Do you go into the season with only 3 legit DTs and try to make it with undersized types like Hayes (or Westbrooks if active) playing DT long-term in non obvious passing situations? With Brockers ankles giving out so often now & the 3rd DT Donald being already somewhat undersized by NFL standards?
Do you go into the season with an inexperienced Austin Davis as the backup QB? Or do you bring in a veteran QB and go with 3 QBs until that vet QB is up to speed with the offense? Or do you risk cutting Davis with hopes of placing him on the practice squad and hope Hill doesn't go down before the vet QB pickup is ready?
Do you only go with only 5 LBs to keep him even though this position is crucial for special teams?
Do you go with one less defensive back even with Johnson out the first few weeks? With all the nickel and dime packages and again special teams impact of the position? And the injury history of most of these guys?
Do you initially go with only 4 WRs with Kenny Britt's injury history? A move which also removes a potential special teamer from the gameday roster.
Is the 10th DE more important than the 4th TE who should actually have more of an opportunity to play on gameday and plays special teams?
I don't envy the Rams here at all. But, while Sam may have a place in the NFL, being the 4th LDE on a team and one who has to line up wide to have success, I don't know. IMO, his chances are tied together with the health of William Hayes.