Football just keeps getting closer and now the Rams have started their rookie mini-camp. They boast a big roster, but mainly full of players that are trying out. Here are five of the most exciting players that weren’t drafted by the Rams that are either participating in mini-camp or trying out.
Chris Watt, C, Notre Dame (drafted in third round by Chargers in 2014)
This name should look familiar to you if you are a football fan. Chris Watt formerly of the Notre Dame was drafted in the third round of the 2014 NFL draft by the now-Los Angeles Chargers. He was supposed to be the center of the future for him, but injuries hindered his development and the Chargers eventually moved on.
The Rams are bringing in a player that is former third round pick that has the talent if everything comes together to be a possible starter at center for the Rams. This is just on a tryout basis keep in mind, he is not on the roster yet, but nonetheless probably one of the bigger names you will hear of on this roster.
Jon Toth, C, Kentucky
This is a name that many Rams fans including me have been buzzing about. Jon Toth, while he may not be the most athletic or smoothest center in the world, he’s definitely solid and reliable. I felt as though this type of player could have gone in the fifth round and he ended up falling out of the draft and going undrafted.
Toth has said to be injured and was waiting to sign a contract with a team. Now he comes to Los Angeles on a tryout basis and I think he is a real threat to make the 53 if he indeed’s receives a contract.
William Likely, CB, Maryland
William Likely is just a total gamer. This is a guy that stands at 5-foot-7, but he played as hard and as tenacious as any cornerback in college football. Unfortunately, Likely went down with a torn ACL in October of 2016. His tape is electrifying in my humble opinion. If he was a 6-feet tall? Likely is a top three corner in this draft hands down. He has it all and has the hard-worker trait that Sean McVay is looking for.
The Rams are trying him out and if his knee is good to go like I believe it is and he says it is…there should be no question Likely makes the Rams 90-man roster and competes hard and heavy for a job. Likely should have by all accounts been drafted, he’s much too talented and if he’s healthy this could be a total gem of a player the Rams acquire.
Lenard Tillery, RB, Southern
This is more of a hidden gem, while the guys up top played in bigger settings. Tillery is coming from Southern and his conference foes know the talent he possesses. Tillery reminds me a lot of how Benny Cunningham was coming out of small school Middle Tennessee State. He’s a quicker than fast type of back that shows the elusiveness and the vision to be an interesting rotational back.
We have no idea how the Rams new regime views Malcolm Brown and Aaron Green, but It’s worth noting Tillery is the only one on this list that is officially signed to the Rams 90-man roster. I don’t see him getting the ax anytime soon either.
Justice Liggins, WR, Stephen F. Austin
Everyone seems to be either talking about the Flying Hawaiian Jeremy Tabuyo or Shakeir Ryan as sleepers, but I have my own sleeper. Justice Liggins from Stephen F. Austin has some crazy measureables and some crazy circus type of catches on film. Liggins is trying out with the Rams and I believe he could be in line for a contract if he shows out.
Liggins has ideal wide receiver size at 6-foot-1 and 206 pounds. He ran a blazing fast 4.37, 16 bench reps which is solid, a 10 foot and seven inch broad jump, but the crazy thing he did at his pro day? Try a 42.5 inch vertical on for size. This is a player that deserves a chance and if he somehow does make it onto the 90-man roster anything is possible. If he can hang onto the ball and use that crazy vertical to perfection, he will be in business as a red zone target.
If you don’t already know or need a refresher, here is the Rams official rookie mini-camp roster per Joe Curley of the Ventura County Star
Those are my five to watch out for. Who are yours? Let us know!
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