Los Angeles Rams way-too-early 53-man roster prediction

[Memphis Ram]

Los Angeles Rams way-too-early 53-man roster prediction​

Story by BlaineGrisak • Monday

The Los Angeles Rams could always sign a free agent that’s still available after the draft. However, with the limits on the 2023 salary cap, any other move at this point seems unlikely. For the most part, the Rams have their roster that they will heading into training camp with this summer.

There were a lot of changes on the Rams roster this offseason. Let’s take a way-too-early look at their potential 53-man roster.

Quarterback (2): Matthew Stafford, Stetson Bennett​

The Rams could always keep a third quarterback as they signed Brett Rypien. However, this move was likely to allow Rypien to show Bennett the ropes of being a backup quarterback in the NFL. The Rams have kept three quarterbacks in the past. They may change that approach after last season’s disaster at the position.

Running Back (4): Cam Akers, Kyren Williams, Zach Evans, Ronnie Rivers​

There shouldn’t be any surprises here. The Rams could always opt to just keep three running backs and cut Rivers. With the injuries that they’ve dealt with at the position, it makes more sense to keep four. Rivers has experience in the offense over the last few seasons and brings depth.

Wide Receiver (6): Cooper Kupp, Van Jefferson, Ben Skowronek, TuTu Atwell, Puka Nacua, Lance McCutcheon​

The Rams easily could just keep five wide receivers and cut McCutcheon. This will be one of several competitions during camp. Will the Rams continue to invest in McCutcheon’s development or will someone like Xavier Smith who brings return experience get the nod? The top-5 seem to be in place. Everything after that is a big question mark.

Tight End (4): Tyler Higbee, Brycen Hopkins, Hunter Long, Davis Allen​

Last season, the Rams kept just two tight ends on the roster entering Week 1. Doubling that and raising it to four is a big adjustment. With that said, it would be very difficult for the Rams to cut any one of these four players. Keeping four tight ends also allows the Rams to get more versatile with their offensive personnel with heavier packages.

Offensive Line (9): Joe Noteboom, Steve Avila, Brian Allen, Coleman Shelton, Rob Havenstein, Alaric Jackson, Logan Braces, Warren McClendon, Tremayne Anchrum​

This will probably be the top-nine offensive linemen heading into camp and the top-nine offensive linemen throughout. It would be a major surprise if someone outside of this group of players broke through. It’s always possible with injuries. However, this group seems pretty rock solid.

Linebacker (4): Ernest Jones, Jake Hummel, Christian Rozeboom, Kelechi Anyalebechi​

Ernest Jones is the only certainty among the linebackers heading into the offseason. Hummel is someone that shouldn’t be slept on as he was a top undrafted free agent signing last season. Rozeboom has also spent time in the system. However, every roster spot behind Jones will be up for grabs. My big surprise here will be Ayalebechi making the roster as an undrafted free agent.

EDGE (5): Byron Young, Michael Hoecht, Nick Hampton, Daniel Hardy, Keir Thomas​

I do have the Rams cutting draft pick Ochaun Mathis out of Nebraska. He has the physical tools and athleticism, but feels more like a practice squad candidate so that he can develop. This is a very inexperienced group and there will be bumps throughout the season. Keep an eye on Keir Thomas who made a splash last year during the preseason.

Cornerback (4): Cobie Durant, Derion Kendrick, Robert Rochell, Tre’Vius Hodges-Tomlinson​

Yes, I only have the Rams keeping four cornerbacks. They could certainly decide to keep a fifth such as Shaun Jolly or Timarcus Davis. However, with the lack of depth here, it’s very possible the Rams roll with four guys that they feel confident in heading into the season. There’s no reason to waste a roster spot on a player for the sake of depth.

Safety (4): Jordan Fuller, Russ Yeast, Quentin Lake, Jason Taylor II​

It’s very possible that the Rams would go with five safeties on the roster and keep someone like Quindell Johnson. However, much like cornerback, it doesn’t make sense to waste a roster spot for the sake of depth. The Rams can stash Johnson or Rashad Torrence III on the practice squad and then call them up when needed. This is a thin group. The Rams are going to need a big year from Jordan Fuller.

Defensive Line (8): Bobby Brown, Aaron Donald, Marquise Copeland, Darrell Murchison, Jonah Williams, Kobie Turner, Earnest Brown IV, Desjuan Johnson​

Much like the offensive line, the defensive line seems like a pretty solid group. It would be difficult for someone to break through here. The Rams could decide to cut Johnson and put him on the practice squad. For the time being, I’ll have the Rams going for depth so that they can keep a fresh pass-rush rotation.

Specialists (3): K Christopher Dunn, P Ethan Evans, LS Alex Ward​

The kicking competition seems wide open and it wouldn’t be a surprise if the Rams brought in a veteran to compete. At this point, Dunn may be the favorite over Tanner Brown.

MSN

www.msn.com

 

[Lunchbox]

Isn't this numbnuts (writer) from Turf Show Times? Good topic, although too early.
Don't see the Rams going with just four corners as it is a premium position and Grant Haley showed well last season when healthy. I'd leave off one of the LB's, DL or Edges and have Hoecht back up DL and Edge.
Also curious to see Tiyon Evans and if he can take Rivers spot as a rotational RB. Tough runner.
Logan Braces? Darrell Murchison? C'mon, proof-reading is your friend!

 

[WestCoastRam]

whose the returner here?!?

 

[Merlin]

No Bruss.

 

[kurtfaulk]

No Bruss.

He called him braces.

.

 

[Londoner]

I thought that Americans called braces “suspenders”?

Logan Suspenders has a nice ring to it.

 

[8to12]

Only 4 CB's but 7 DL for a 3-4 Front?

 

[ramfan46]

That writer cries more than Terrell Owens when he’s on Twitter. There’s this new crop of “journalists” that have to prove how smart they are instead of giving out information. No one cares the team didn’t pick a player you had in 1 of 800 mock drafts. TST isn’t worth my time.

 

[Ram65]

Good title.

You have to start guessing somewhere. Maybe wait until camp gets going.

 

[HX76]

Logan's new braces - Carter Orthodontics

Congratulations to Logan for getting on her braces this week! We love that beautiful smile!

www.carterorthodontics.com

Not sure we’ll do too well if she makes the 53

 

[Memphis Ram]

Had some time to kill, so here goes:

OFFENSE

QUARTERBACK (2): Matthew Stafford, Stetson Bennett

The Rams only keep 2 QBs on the active roster with Bennett providing the team a cheap Brock Purdy type backup option.

RUNNING BACK (4): Cam Akers, Kyren Williams, Zach Evans, Tiyon Evans

Akers needs to stay healthy for once. Williams should be pretty good 3rd down back. Of the two players named Evans, Zach gets all the hype, but I’m not so sure that Tiyon won’t be the better NFL back.

WIDE RECEIVER (6): Cooper Kupp, Van Jefferson, Tutu Atwell, Ben Skowronek, Puka Nacua, Xavier Smith (returner)

I’m really surprised that Skowronek hasn’t been converted to TE. Barring any injuries, there probably won’t be any surprises with the top 5 targets. Got a feeling that Burmeister may surprise, but Smith edges him out as returner. McCutcheon? If Allen Robinson was a bad fit, I struggle to see how he fits as they seem like the same type of WR to me.

TIGHT END (4): Tyler Higbee, Hunter Long, Davis Allen, (TE/FB Not on Roster Yet)

Still having a hard time seeing how the team holds on to Higbee at a $9.125 million cap number, but there you go. Long & Allen compete for the #2 TE spot. My yearly dream of McVay incorporating an actual FB into the offense continues. Hopefully, new RB & TE coaches Gould & Caley get in his ear.

OFFENSIVE LINE (9): Rob Havenstein, Alaric Jackson, Joe Noteboom, Steve Avila, Logan Bruss, Brian Allen, Coleman Shelton, Warren McClendon, A.J. Arcuri

The Rams seemed set to run it back with same guys coming back from injury, but I guess new eyes in the building (OLine Coach Ryan Wendell) led to the draft additions. Anchrum may have to win starting RG job to keep his roster spot.

DEFENSE

DEFENSIVE LINE (6): Aaron Donald, Bobby Brown III, Kobie Turner, Larnell Murchison, Marquise Copeland, Desjuan Johnson

Brown III may represent the only 300+ pound DLineman on the roster (though Murchison was about 297 coming out of college). Can’t help but notice a common theme as everyone, with the possible exception of Brown III, has a high motor.

EDGE / OLB (5): Michael Hoecht, Byron Young, Daniel Hardy, Nick Hampton, Keir Thomas

Past decisions and the salary cap may force the team to have the most inexperienced group of Edge rushers in NFL history. Wouldn’t shock me if Hampton gets some reps at ILB, too. Both he and Young could be deadly on stunts.

INSIDE LINEBACKER (4): Ernest Jones, Christian Rozebloom, DeAndre Square, (Not on roster yet)

This team simply doesn’t care about the ILB position and it shows with perhaps the weakest group in the NFL. Of the UDFAs, my guess is DeAndre Square has the best chance to make the roster. Here I’m also guessing that the Rams find their 4th ILB during the final cutdown.

CORNERBACK (6): Cobie Durant, Robert Rochell, Tre’Vius Hodges-Tomlinson, Timarcus Davis, Jordan Jones, Tyon Davis

The secondary will be as inexperienced as the Edge Group. Here I’m guessing (hoping) that new eyes (Pleasant & Lake) convince DC Morris to end the Kendrick experience. I may be in the minority, but I kind of like the rookies. So much so, an extra CB makes it to week one before being added to practice squad.

SAFETY (4): Jordan Fuller, Quentin Lake, Quindell Johnson, Jason Taylor II

It’s probably time for Fuller to start looking over his shoulder. Especially if he can’t stay healthy. But, for now he leads this unit. Johnson’s $30K signing bonus tells me what they think about him. And Taylor II looks like a needed potential playmaker.

SPECIALISTS (3)

PUNTER: Ethan Evans

KICKER: (Not on roster yet)

LONG SNAPPER: Alex Ward

Unless I’ve missing something, there doesn’t appear to be any competition for Punter or Long Snapper. The Rams have two UDFA Kickers on the roster, but I’m guessing they pick up a veteran off waivers later.

 

[Memento]

I like your group, Memphis. Personally don’t see what Copeland brings that others like EB4/Williams don’t, but I understand us keeping him, since he has his contract.

Agree so hard with jettisoning Kendrick and Hopkins. Would replace Jones with Yeast, though; I think he’s going to make a big jump this year.

I think that McCutcheon still has a spot; I think they go with three tight ends. I’d personally replace Smith with Burmeister; if the latter can return punts and kicks, it’s an easy choice. If not, I’d go with Sam James instead; I think he’s faster in pads than Smith is.

 

[Londoner]

Would replace Jones with Yeast, though; I think he’s going to make a big jump this year.

You mean, you think Yeast is going to rise in people’s estimation?

 

[bubbaramfan]

Agree Malibu. Rams look like an expansion team.

 

[LA_Rams_#29]

Xavier Smith is going to make the team..... So is DeAndre Square... .IMO..

 

[ramfan46]

Looks really good to me. I think Jonah Williams beats out Mr. Irrelevant for a spot on the active roster.

 

[dieterbrock]

Still having a hard time seeing how the team holds on to Higbee at a $9.125 million cap number, but there you go.

Even if spread over this and next season, Higbee costs 5.25 mill dead cap hit if moved, and an additional 6.25 mill salary if he stays.
Cant see how there could be an expectation of replacing his production with who they have on the roster
I'm with you though, Hopkins is a goner and Skow should be a TE, at least a TE/FB

 

[den-the-coach]

SPECIALISTS (3)

PUNTER: Ethan Evans

KICKER: (Not on roster yet)

LONG SNAPPER: Alex Ward

Unless I’ve missing something, there doesn’t appear to be any competition for Punter or Long Snapper. The Rams have two UDFA Kickers on the roster, but I’m guessing they pick up a veteran off waivers later.

I like many of the projections and you are not in the minority with Kendrick. He can't cover a bed and I realize he was a rookie last year, but in college, he was not the best cover corner and he plays scared.

I think the Rams have two viable RFA kickers in Christopher Dunn & Tanner Brown with Dunn being the Lou Groza award winner in college, however, if the Chargers & 49ers go with their younger kickers in Dicker & Jake Moody that leaves Dustin Hopkins & Zane Gonzales available. Gonzales kicked for special team coordinator Chase Blackburn in Carolina, so keep on eye on him.

 

[Lunchbox]

Had some time to kill, so here goes:

OFFENSE

QUARTERBACK (2): Matthew Stafford, Stetson Bennett

The Rams only keep 2 QBs on the active roster with Bennett providing the team a cheap Brock Purdy type backup option.

RUNNING BACK (4): Cam Akers, Kyren Williams, Zach Evans, Tiyon Evans

Akers needs to stay healthy for once. Williams should be pretty good 3rd down back. Of the two players named Evans, Zach gets all the hype, but I’m not so sure that Tiyon won’t be the better NFL back.

WIDE RECEIVER (6): Cooper Kupp, Van Jefferson, Tutu Atwell, Ben Skowronek, Puka Nacua, Xavier Smith (returner)

I’m really surprised that Skowronek hasn’t been converted to TE. Barring any injuries, there probably won’t be any surprises with the top 5 targets. Got a feeling that Burmeister may surprise, but Smith edges him out as returner. McCutcheon? If Allen Robinson was a bad fit, I struggle to see how he fits as they seem like the same type of WR to me.

TIGHT END (4): Tyler Higbee, Hunter Long, Davis Allen, (TE/FB Not on Roster Yet)

Still having a hard time seeing how the team holds on to Higbee at a $9.125 million cap number, but there you go. Long & Allen compete for the #2 TE spot. My yearly dream of McVay incorporating an actual FB into the offense continues. Hopefully, new RB & TE coaches Gould & Caley get in his ear.

OFFENSIVE LINE (9): Rob Havenstein, Alaric Jackson, Joe Noteboom, Steve Avila, Logan Bruss, Brian Allen, Coleman Shelton, Warren McClendon, A.J. Arcuri

The Rams seemed set to run it back with same guys coming back from injury, but I guess new eyes in the building (OLine Coach Ryan Wendell) led to the draft additions. Anchrum may have to win starting RG job to keep his roster spot.

DEFENSE

DEFENSIVE LINE (6): Aaron Donald, Bobby Brown III, Kobie Turner, Larnell Murchison, Marquise Copeland, Desjuan Johnson

Brown III may represent the only 300+ pound DLineman on the roster (though Murchison was about 297 coming out of college). Can’t help but notice a common theme as everyone, with the possible exception of Brown III, has a high motor.

EDGE / OLB (5): Michael Hoecht, Byron Young, Daniel Hardy, Nick Hampton, Keir Thomas

Past decisions and the salary cap may force the team to have the most inexperienced group of Edge rushers in NFL history. Wouldn’t shock me if Hampton gets some reps at ILB, too. Both he and Young could be deadly on stunts.

INSIDE LINEBACKER (4): Ernest Jones, Christian Rozebloom, DeAndre Square, (Not on roster yet)

This team simply doesn’t care about the ILB position and it shows with perhaps the weakest group in the NFL. Of the UDFAs, my guess is DeAndre Square has the best chance to make the roster. Here I’m also guessing that the Rams find their 4th ILB during the final cutdown.

CORNERBACK (6): Cobie Durant, Robert Rochell, Tre’Vius Hodges-Tomlinson, Timarcus Davis, Jordan Jones, Tyon Davis

The secondary will be as inexperienced as the Edge Group. Here I’m guessing (hoping) that new eyes (Pleasant & Lake) convince DC Morris to end the Kendrick experience. I may be in the minority, but I kind of like the rookies. So much so, an extra CB makes it to week one before being added to practice squad.

SAFETY (4): Jordan Fuller, Quentin Lake, Quindell Johnson, Jason Taylor II

It’s probably time for Fuller to start looking over his shoulder. Especially if he can’t stay healthy. But, for now he leads this unit. Johnson’s $30K signing bonus tells me what they think about him. And Taylor II looks like a needed potential playmaker.

SPECIALISTS (3)

PUNTER: Ethan Evans

KICKER: (Not on roster yet)

LONG SNAPPER: Alex Ward

Unless I’ve missing something, there doesn’t appear to be any competition for Punter or Long Snapper. The Rams have two UDFA Kickers on the roster, but I’m guessing they pick up a veteran off waivers later.

Like what you did here Memphis.

As others have said, I'm excited about some of the rookies we drafted and signed after the draft.

Very few veterans, particularly on defense should feel secure in their position with the team. That includes Fuller (can't stay healthy and I think E. Jones takes the green dot), Jonah Williams (already released once), Rozeboom and Hummell at LB, Kendrick, etc.

We're going to be extremely young no matter what and the only advantage I see for Fuller and some others is veteran leadership.

I believe versatility and production on the field as opposed to draft position or time with the team is going to dictate who makes the roster and more surprises may lie ahead.

I do think we go with one of the two rookie FA's at kicker.

 

[Riverumbbq]

Had some time to kill, so here goes:

OFFENSE

QUARTERBACK (2): Matthew Stafford, Stetson Bennett

The Rams only keep 2 QBs on the active roster with Bennett providing the team a cheap Brock Purdy type backup option.

RUNNING BACK (4): Cam Akers, Kyren Williams, Zach Evans, Tiyon Evans

Akers needs to stay healthy for once. Williams should be pretty good 3rd down back. Of the two players named Evans, Zach gets all the hype, but I’m not so sure that Tiyon won’t be the better NFL back.

WIDE RECEIVER (6): Cooper Kupp, Van Jefferson, Tutu Atwell, Ben Skowronek, Puka Nacua, Xavier Smith (returner)

I’m really surprised that Skowronek hasn’t been converted to TE. Barring any injuries, there probably won’t be any surprises with the top 5 targets. Got a feeling that Burmeister may surprise, but Smith edges him out as returner. McCutcheon? If Allen Robinson was a bad fit, I struggle to see how he fits as they seem like the same type of WR to me.

TIGHT END (4): Tyler Higbee, Hunter Long, Davis Allen, (TE/FB Not on Roster Yet)

Still having a hard time seeing how the team holds on to Higbee at a $9.125 million cap number, but there you go. Long & Allen compete for the #2 TE spot. My yearly dream of McVay incorporating an actual FB into the offense continues. Hopefully, new RB & TE coaches Gould & Caley get in his ear.

OFFENSIVE LINE (9): Rob Havenstein, Alaric Jackson, Joe Noteboom, Steve Avila, Logan Bruss, Brian Allen, Coleman Shelton, Warren McClendon, A.J. Arcuri

The Rams seemed set to run it back with same guys coming back from injury, but I guess new eyes in the building (OLine Coach Ryan Wendell) led to the draft additions. Anchrum may have to win starting RG job to keep his roster spot.

DEFENSE

DEFENSIVE LINE (6): Aaron Donald, Bobby Brown III, Kobie Turner, Larnell Murchison, Marquise Copeland,

Brown III may represent the only 300+ pound DLineman on the roster (though Murchison was about 297 coming out of college). Can’t help but notice a common theme as everyone, with the possible exception of Brown III, has a high motor.

EDGE / OLB (5): Michael Hoecht, Byron Young, Daniel Hardy, Nick Hampton, Keir Thomas

Past decisions and the salary cap may force the team to have the most inexperienced group of Edge rushers in NFL history. Wouldn’t shock me if Hampton gets some reps at ILB, too. Both he and Young could be deadly on stunts.

INSIDE LINEBACKER (4): Ernest Jones, Christian Rozebloom, DeAndre Square, (Not on roster yet)

This team simply doesn’t care about the ILB position and it shows with perhaps the weakest group in the NFL. Of the UDFAs, my guess is DeAndre Square has the best chance to make the roster. Here I’m also guessing that the Rams find their 4th ILB during the final cutdown.

CORNERBACK (6): Cobie Durant, Robert Rochell, Tre’Vius Hodges-Tomlinson, Timarcus Davis, Jordan Jones, Tyon Davis

The secondary will be as inexperienced as the Edge Group. Here I’m guessing (hoping) that new eyes (Pleasant & Lake) convince DC Morris to end the Kendrick experience. I may be in the minority, but I kind of like the rookies. So much so, an extra CB makes it to week one before being added to practice squad.

SAFETY (4): Jordan Fuller, Quentin Lake, Quindell Johnson, Jason Taylor II

It’s probably time for Fuller to start looking over his shoulder. Especially if he can’t stay healthy. But, for now he leads this unit. Johnson’s $30K signing bonus tells me what they think about him. And Taylor II looks like a needed potential playmaker.

SPECIALISTS (3)

PUNTER: Ethan Evans

KICKER: (Not on roster yet)

LONG SNAPPER: Alex Ward

Unless I’ve missing something, there doesn’t appear to be any competition for Punter or Long Snapper. The Rams have two UDFA Kickers on the roster, but I’m guessing they pick up a veteran off waivers later.

Offense

RB - Either Rivers & Tiyan Evans (or both) to practice squad, I'd be seeking a waiver cut here for RB4.
TE - Hopkins isn't going anywhere. Re-sign TE/FB Roger Carter to the practice squad. Higbee could easily become trade deadline fodder.
OL - Noteboom could be treated as a trade deadline asset, Brian Allen may not even make it to camp if Jourdan Rodriguez is correct about her earlier assessment with him becoming a CAP Casualty. I might insert Anchrum (depending on health), Zach Thomas, and one of the two new UDFA Centers.


Defense

DL - I've got Hoecht as a rotational DT/Edge OLB and Desjuan Johnson heading for the practice squad. Wouldn't hurt to add a big wide, run crushing NT to this interior if we got lucky enough for someone to get cut at the position.
Edge/OLB - Moved Hoecht to DL with Ochaun Mathis bumping Keir Thomas to the practice squad.
ILB - Jones, Hummel, Rozebloom & my hopeful (Kelechi Anyalebechi). Wouldn't be surprised to see a waiver cut added here.
CB - Kendrick gets a 2'nd year. I'm still hoping Grant Haley is re-signed, but potential for waiver wire addition here.
S - Yeast gets a 2'nd year. Quindell Johnson & Rashad Torrence make the 53 or practice squad. Possible waiver pick-up here.

Specialists

I believe Dunn wins the K spot, although his lack of size certainly makes for an interesting camp battle with Brown.

jmo.

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