We now have a full 90-man roster for the Los Angeles Rams going into rookie mini camp for the 2017 season. In this piece I decided to rank all of them 90-to-1 based off of talent.
Note: These are solely my opinion and doesn’t reflect how I think the 53-man roster will end up or the Rams actual views on the roster. Also, I definitely took college production and NFL experience into account when forming this list.
90. Reggie Northrup, LB, Florida State (6-foot-1, 240 pounds) – 23 years old
Strong and physical, but lacks the stamina to play full-time in the NFL.
89. Brandon Shippen, WR, Temple (5-foot-11, 196 pounds) – 23 years old
Stronger, but smaller wide receiver that possesses average speed.
88. Zach Laskey, FB, Georgia Tech (6-foot-2, 238 pounds) – 24 years old
Solid size, but is limited in what he offers overall. Wins off special teams ability
87. Kevin Davis, LB, Colorado State (6-foot-2, 238 pounds) – 23 years old
Solid athlete, but lacking instincts, speed and power. Will need to improve his strength.
86. Cassanova McKinzy, LB, Auburn (6-foot-3, 257 pounds) – 24 years old
More of a situational pass rusher as his play doesn’t really translate to today’s NFL.
85. Darrell Williams, OT, South Florida (6-foot-5, 305 pounds) – 23 years old
Good sized, but slower tackle with a hard time staying quick on his feet against speed rushers.
84. Aarion Penton, CB, Missouri (5-foot-9, 187 pounds) – 22 years old
Smaller corner, feisty and physical, but serious limitations
83. Dylan Thompson, QB, South Carolina (6-foot-3, 215 pounds) – 25 years old
Solid size, decisive deep ball thrower, but lacks the necessary footwork and accuracy as a passer.
82. Dominique Hatfield, CB, Utah (5-foot-10, 170 pounds) – 22 years old
Small and gets too physical at times, but puts himself in good position more often than not to make a play.
81. Shakeir Ryan, WR, Northwestern State (5-foot-8, 169 pounds) – 21 years old
Very small, but packs a punch and has the ability to make tacklers miss in space.
80. Teidrick Smith, LB, Mary Hardin-Baylor (6-foot-1, 238 pounds) – 22 years old
Solid size, shows versatility as a pass rusher, run stopper and a coverage backer.
79. Isaiah Johnson, S, Georgia Tech (6-foot-1, 207 pounds) – 25 years old
Good size, good tackling safety that lacks the athleticism to play regularly.
78. Johnny Mundt, TE, Oregon (6-foot-4, 232 pounds) – 22 years old
Athletic tight end that will need to add more weight to play consistently.
77. Travis Wilson, TE, Utah (6-foot-7, 258 pounds) – 23 years old
Excellent size for the position after originally being a QB.
76. Casey Sayles, DT, Ohio (6-foot-3, 289 pounds) – 21 years old
Needs to put some weight on, but has a quick first step and is explosive out of his stance.
75. Lenard Tillery, RB, Southern (5-foot-10, 198 pounds) – 23 years old
Smaller and shifty back that could have a role in this league.
74. Justin Davis, RB, USC (6-foot-1, 198 pounds) – 21 years old
Good sized back that has the speed and power to be a starter if developed fully.
73. Marqui Christian, S, Midwestern State (5-foot-11, 200 pounds) – 22 years old
Classic in-the-box safety with solid athleticism and above average instincts to succeed.
72. Aaron Green, RB, TCU (5-foot-11, 206 pounds) – 24 years old
Scat back that shows off multiple moves to make a man miss in space, but lacks home run speed.
71. Omarius Bryant, DT, Western Kentucky (6-foot-3, 315 pounds) – 22 years old
Creates consistent pressure in the backfield, but not a manufacturer of big plays.
70. A.J. Jefferson, DT, Mississippi State (6-foot-3, 280 pounds) – 24 years old
Has big-play disruptive ability, can rush the passer and do it consistently well. Rotational guy.
69. Marquez North, WR, Tennessee (6-foot-3, 230 pounds) – 22 years old
Excellent big-play size with deceptive speed. Needs to develop quickly or likely faces a practice squad placement.
68. Louis Trinca-Pasat, DT, Iowa (6-foot-1, 300 pounds) – 25 years old
Unlimited motor that has been held back due to injuries. This could be his last chance if he doesn’t stay healthy this preseason.
67. Kevin Peterson, CB, Oklahoma State (5-foot-11, 180 pounds) – 23 years old
Very underrated straight out of college, handles competition well, has football IQ off the page and is smooth in the hips. Could have a real chance at surprising everyone and falling on the Rams 53-man roster.
66. Pace Murphy, OT, Northwestern State (6-foot-6, 308 pounds) – 23 years old
Good size and athleticism combination that didn’t really see the field last year.
65. Jake Eldrenkamp, C, Washington (6-foot-5, 305 pounds) – 23 years old
Great size and has the versatility as well as athleticism to make the roster. The Rams coaches seem to like him a lot.
64. Carlos Thompson, LB, Mississippi (6-foot-5, 250 pounds) – 25 years old
Big linebacker that fits Wade Phillips defense well. High quality motor that may outplay players more gifted than him just off his high effort.
63. Blake Countess, CB, Auburn (5-foot-10, 185 pounds) – 23 years old
The speedy nickel corner has the size to play on the outside and the football knowledge to stay in the league.
62. Demetrius Rhaney, C, Tennessee State (6-foot-2, 307 pounds) – 24 years old
Quick with good size for the center position. Has the versatility to play guard as well, will be interesting to see if he makes any significant strides under a new coaching staff.
61. Morgan Fox, DE, Colorado State-Pueblo (6-foot-3, 275 pounds) – 22 years old
A little undersized for the line, but uses leverage well and is athletic as well as explosive in the short area. Will have to really battle to sneak onto this roster.
60. Mike Purcell, DT, Wyoming (6-foot-3, 328 pounds) – 26 years old
Very good nose tackle size and sneaky athleticism to make big plays. Finds himself as a dark horse to make this roster.
59. Nicholas Grigsby, LB, Pittsburgh (6-foot-2, 230 pounds) – 24 years old
Athletic linebacker that played a decent amount last year. He’s more of a special teams guy and with the Rams improving their LB corps this off-season, Grigsby might only be looking at a special teams spot.
58. Tyrunn Walker, DT, Tulsa (6-foot-3, 305 pounds) – 27 years old
A veteran presence the Rams signed that will fit Wade Phillips defense and offer initial depth.
57. Cody Wichmann, G, Fresno State (6-foot-5, 325 pounds) – 25 years old
Big and bulky guard that has the strength and durability to hold up in the league. The question remains if the new coaching staff will give him another year or not.
56. Greg Robinson, OT, Auburn (6-foot-5, 334 pounds) – 24 years old
Known for his athleticism has had a hard time adapting to the NFL level schematically and just the overall speed of the game. With Robinson in year four and having shown little to no improvement it’s looking like it could soon be safe to call him a bust.
55. Bryce Hager, LB, Baylor (6-foot-1, 237 pounds) – 25 years old
Very athletic linebacker with a high motor that is among one of the best special teams players on the roster. He came on a little more last year, but will have to give off a great first impression for thew new coaching staff.
54. Cory Harkey, TE, UCLA (6-foot-4, 262 pounds) – 26 years old
The former bruin plays more of an H-back role and is a vocal leader on special teams. Although, his job is far from safe this season.
53. Jake McQuaide, LS, Ohio State (6-foot-2, 225 pounds) – 29 years old
One of the older players on the team who ended up being selected as a pro-bowler. Might be too high on your list, but he’s just right on mine.
52. Matt Longacre, DE, Northwest Missouri State (6-foot-3, 255 pounds) – 25 years old
One of the underrated and underutilized pass rushers on the roster. Longacre has is work cut out for him to make the team with a new system in place.
51. Tanzel Smart, DT, Tulane (6-foot-1, 290 pounds) – 22 years old
Quick-footed, leverage based one-gap penetrator. Will fit like a glove on the defensive line rotation under Wade Phillips.
50. Temarrick Hemingway, TE, South Carolina State (6-foot-5, 251 pounds) – 23 years old
Great size and athletic ability, has a chance to flourish in Sean McVay’s new offense.
49. Sam Rogers, FB, Virginia Tech (5-foot-10, 235 pounds) – 22 years old
A do-it-all fullback that is quick, agile and powerful. Rogers in my opinion is going to be a nice weapon for Jared Goff out of the backfield.
48. Austin Blythe, C, Iowa (6-foot-3, 300 pounds) – 24 years old
Considered undersized, but offers ability to maintain his blocks, use athleticism to pull, strength to stonewall assignments and an overall understanding of the game. I think Blythe is being criminally underrated.
47. John Johnson, S, Boston College (6-foot-1, 204 pounds) – 21 years old
Can play safety or cornerback, has ball skills and a smooth covering ability. This could end up being the Rams long term solution at safety.
46. Brian Randolph, S, Tennessee (6-foot-0, 199 pounds) – 24 years old
One of my favorite players on the Rams who was a dominant player at Tennessee. He possesses the athleticism, strength and overall football IQ to be a starter in the NFL.
45. Samson Ebukam, LB, Eastern Washington (6-foot-3, 240 pounds) – 22 years old
This former fourth round pick is a freakish athlete that will be a weapon on Phillips defense.
44. Malcolm Brown, RB, Texas (5-11, 227 pounds) – 24 years old
Former undrafted rookie free agent has the sneaky speed and plenty of power to be used often in the Rams backfield.
43. Ejuan Price, LB, Pittsburgh (6-foot-0, 250 pounds) – 24 years old
Likely way underdrafted in the seventh round, Price has a chance to play instantly day one. He is a relentless pursuer with a quick first step that could do wonders in the Rams new look defense.
42. Nelson Spruce, WR, Colorado (6-foot-1. 210 pounds) – 24 years old
Undrafted preseason week one start has yet to play an NFL regular season game so it will be difficult for him to make the roster, but he catches seemingly everything and is a good route runner.
41. Cody Davis, S, Texas Tech (6-foot-1, 203 pounds) – 27 years old
Veteran safety that has speed and ball skills to start in the NFL if need be. He is likely looking at a backup gig with the Rams, but he’s a fantastic special teamer so he will likely make the roster.
40. Paul McRoberts, WR, Southeast Missouri State (6-foot-2, 197 pounds) – 24 years old
Tall, fast and solid hands are the name of the game for McRoberts. He comes into this season with many talents ahead of him, but if he is given the chance McRoberts has the talent to win a job on the roster.
39. Sean Mannion, QB, Oregon State (6-foot-6, 231 pounds) – 25 years old
He is the backup moving forward and the Rams coaches seem to really like him.
38. Michael Jordan, CB, Missouri Western State (6-foot-1, 202 pounds) – 24 years old
Taller and physical corner that really fits what Wade loves in a cornerback. Definitely a guy to keep an eye on as I am really high on him.
37. Troy Hill, CB, Oregon (5-foot-11, 184 pounds) – 25 years old
A player that really had a chance to prove himself last year and did a decent job outside an off-the-field incident. Hill, still likely has to battle to get on this roster.
36. Josh Reynolds, WR, Texas A&M (6-foot-3, 192 pounds) – 22 years old
There is a good chance Reynolds is going to find himself a role this season. He is the longest receiver on the team and has a chance to really develop into a true No.1 receiver.
35. Lance Dunbar, RB, North Texas (5-foot-8, 187 pounds) – 27 years old
Dunbar is a shifty scat back that will take over the pass catching duties out of the backfield and play the “Chris Thompson role” in Sean McVay’s offense.
34. Bradley Marquez, WR, Texas Tech (5-foot-10, 205 pounds) – 24 years old
Say what you will about Marquez being this high, but think about the fact he’s a top five special teamer and in his limited amount of time he has shown there is some upside as a slot receiver. Outside of Tavon Austin, Marquez has been with the Rams longer than any other receiver.
33. Andrew Donnal, OT, Iowa (6-foot-6, 310 pounds) – 25 years old
Extremely underrated in my mind. Donnal filled in well at tackle last year and has always shown the upside to be a valuable rotational offensive line piece. He has great size and I fully expect him to be the “sixth man” of the offensive line.
32. Mike Thomas, WR, Southern Mississippi (6-foot-1, 195 pounds) – 22 years old
This is a player that is already dominating special teams as a gunner and has some upside as a receiver as he continues to make strides this off-season.
31. E.J. Gaines, CB, Missouri (5-foot-10, 185 pounds) – 25 years old
Once a diamond in the rough now lost to everyone besides the coaches who believe in this injury ridden talent. We will see if he can come back and steal back his old starting job he lost due to injury.
30. Josh Forrest, LB, Kentucky (6-foot-3, 240 pounds) – 25 years old
Last year’s rookie linebacker showed some promise as an inside backer and as a backfield disrupter. Unfortunately, an injury derailed his season. He will likely be in the linebacker rotation in year two.
29. Cory Littleton, LB, Washington (6-foot-3, 228 pounds) – 23 years old
Do not count out Cory Littleton. This kid was behind the whole LB room last year due to the fact he missed rookie mini-camp and OTAs for college and eventual graduation. He ended up winning the Rams team rookie of the year in that same year. If he can adapt like that he will be an interesting player for this new defense. Think Shaq Barrett type of linebacker.
28. Ethan Westbrooks, DE, West Texas A&M (6-foot-4, 283 pounds) – 26 years old
The perfect rotational pass rusher to take the heat off of Robert Quinn and William Hayes last year. Westbrooks had an off-the-field mishap which he was allegedly accused of domestic violence, but that has since past and it appears that the Rams like Westbrooks a lot.
27. Pharoh Cooper, WR, South Carolina (5-foot-11, 207 pounds) – 22 years old
The Rams likely new swiss army knife will be ready to get the season started. Cooper missed the majority of his rookie campaign due to injury so it will be interesting to see how McVay and LaFleur use him.
26. Jamon Brown, OT, Louisville (6-foot-4, 330 pounds) – 24 years old
Brown is really starting to come alive in his third year now the projected starting right tackle for the Rams in 2017. Brown has always been a powerful run blocker, but it’s what he’s improving on in pass protection that should excite fans.
25. Gerald Everett, TE, South Alabama (6-foot-3, 245 pounds) – 22 years old
Sean McVay reportedly felt like Everett was similar to one of his favorite players in Jordan Reed. Everett is a very athletic tight end that will be a weapon for sure in Los Angeles. What he does after the catch is fascinating for a tight end.
24. Tyler Higbee, TE, Western Kentucky (6-foot-6, 257 pounds) – 24 years old
His teammates call him “Baby Gronk” and hopefully in a real offense coached by some knowledgeable coaches it will unlock his full potential. Higbee, by all measures is just a flat out freak.
23. John Sullivan, C, Notre Dame (6-foot-4, 310 pounds) – 31 years old
Sullivan is by far the starting option for the Rams at center according to a recent article. The coaches brought in Sullivan because of the knowledge of the game that he possesses, his talent and his experience. He is likely just a placeholder and that is perfectly fine for the short-term.
22. Jared Goff, QB, California (6-foot-4, 223 pounds) – 22 years old
Goff is coming off one of the worst rookie seasons in NFL history, but there is a reason to believe he is going to turn it around with his new coaching staff, new weapons on offense and new protection in front of him. Goff has all the arm talent in the world and after this season he will likely be lurking near the top 10 if I decide to rank the players again.
21. Nickell Robey-Coleman, CB, USC (5-foot-8, 178 pounds) – 25 years old
One of the better young nickel corners in the game was an under-the-radar quiet signing for the Rams. I don’t think fans realize how good this player is, but they will soon see Robey-Coleman is a playmaker.
20. Rodger Saffold, G, Indiana (6-foot-5, 325 pounds) – 28 years old
Saffold was the lone veteran on the line last year so this year will be a breath of fresh air knowing he has help around him. Saffold is still a very exceptional blocker and may breakout with the necessary pieces around him.
19. Tavon Austin, WR, West Virginia (5-foot-8, 179 pounds) – 27 years old
Albeit, the bearer of a likely bad contract Austin still gives the Rams a rare type of playmaker. There aren’t many 4.2 forty speeds out there like Austin. He will try to emmulate DeSean Jackson this season in hope that the coaches can turn him into a top player.
18. Cooper Kupp, WR, Eastern Washington (6-foot-2, 205 pounds) – 23 years old
I absolutely believe this isn’t too high for Kupp and I also believe I may have to place him much higher by seasons end. Catches everything, already the best route runner on the team and has good size? Count me in.
17. Greg Zuerlein, K, Missouri Western State (6-foot-0, 191 pounds) – 29 years old
A great kicker that doesn’t get the credit he deserves. Likely will have to break the record to receive the credit he got from his rookie year again.
16. Kayvon Webster, CB, South Florida (5-foot-11, 192 pounds) – 26 years old
They call him blackjack now and he is going to take the Rams fanbase by storm this season. I think he was a top three special teamer, but he was pretty damn good at the cornerback position until the Broncos decided to stuff him down the depth chart. Breakout season coming for Webster.
15. Rob Havenstein, G, Wisconsin (6-foot-8, 328 pounds) – 25 years old
Big Rob already was a pretty good tackle, but he is about to really take off as a guard in Aaron Kromer’s offensive line.
14. Connor Barwin, LB, Cincinnati (6-foot-4, 255 pounds) – 30 years old
Barwin may not go back to when he was a stud sack artist, but he’s reuniting with Wade Phillips who he was with when he was a stud sack artist. So, anything can happen I guess.
13. Dominique Easley, DT, Florida (6-foot-2, 273 pounds) – 25 years old
So much potential and a lot of production was unleashed out of Easley last year. The Rams got this one right bringing him in last year. Easley is likely going to be starting this season and could break out in a big way.
12. Robert Woods, WR, USC (6-foot-0, 193 pounds) – 25 years old
The number one receiver on the Rams is about to show everyone this season why he was the worth the contract the Rams gave him. He has always been a good player in my opinion, but the scheme they ran in Buffalo held him back mightily. Luckily the Rams are looking to go more vertical than Buffalo and Woods is going to have some fun this season.
11. Mark Barron, LB, Alabama (6-foot-2, 225 pounds) – 27 years old
The former first round safety who transferred over to linebacker will have to endure another transfer. This time Barron moves inside to play in a new defense. I think a player that is two years removed from being the team’s leading tackler is up for the challenge and the coaches seem to feel the same way.
THE TOP TEN
10. Todd Gurley, RB, Georgia (6-foot-1, 227 pounds) – 22 years old
A little low for Gurley? His sophomore slump almost was enough to push him out of the top ten, but he will likely be fighting to push his way into the top five if he bounces back well in year three. Still, without a doubt Gurley is considered one of the stars on the Rams and that won’t change unless he does have another disappointing season.
9. LaMarcus Joyner, S, Florida State (5-foot-8, 190 pounds) – 26 years old
I really don’t think people realize the type of talent we have in Joyner. Right now according to Pro Football Focus, Joyner finished as the second best nickel cornerback in the league only behind Casey Hayward who mainly played on the outside anyway. Joyner gained some weight and will be playing free safety this season which could either skyrocket his potential or flatline it. That remains to be seen.
8. Michael Brockers, DT, LSU (6-foot-5, 302 pounds) – 26 years old
Talk about the ultimate “glue guy”. Mike Brockers has taken on double teams and sometimes triple teams to help his fellow teammates out. Brockers has underrated pass rush ability, but his real strength is being a menace in the run stopping department. Get used to Brockers as he was signed long term last year.
7. Trumaine Johnson, CB, Montana (6-foot-2, 213 pounds) – 27 years old
Johnson is just outside the top five after a disappointing 2016 season. While his future remains in question, there is no denying his status as a top 10 Ram and the best corner on the team.
6. Alec Ogletree, LB, Georgia (6-foot-2, 235 pounds) – 25 years old
The former outside linebacker switched to middle linebacker last year and was named as an all-pro. The huge accomplishment is just a stepping stone of how good Ogletree can and will likely be.
5. Maurice Alexander, S, Utah State (6-foot-1, 222 pounds) – 26 years old
Alexander was tremendous last season for the Rams. He was drafted in the fourth round and had been on the back burner for awhile until he finally got his shot last year and was great. I expect now with Alexander playing at his most comfortable position at strong safety could elevate his play even more.
4. Robert Quinn, LB, North Carolina (6-foot-4, 250 pounds) – 27 years old
It’s hard to move Quinn down on this list, so I didn’t. Quinn had one of the greatest years for an edge rusher in the history of the league. He is extremely talented, but his issue has been staying healthy. Now under Wade Phillips and a new trainer in Ted Rath, Quinn should remain healthy and dominate again.
3. Johnny Hekker, P, Oregon State (6-foot-5, 241 pounds) – 27 years old
A punter at three?!? Yes, absolutely Hekker is a rare talent who will likely end up as the greatest punter ever.
2. Andrew Whitworth, OT, LSU (6-foot-7, 333 pounds) – 35 years old
An absolute model of consistency over his whole career, Whitworth and pure dominance to a position the Rams haven’t had either since Orlando Pace. Whitworth would be the top player on the majority of teams in the league, but the Rams happened to have one of the top five players in Aaron Donald.
1. Aaron Donald, DT, Pittsburgh (6-foot-1, 280 pounds) – 26 years old
Well, come on now…What did you expect? If you scrolled down to this spot thinking it would be anyone else then I don’t really know what to tell you. Donald might be the best player in the game and that obviously translates to him being the best player on the Rams.
This is obviously a new thing, I don’t think anyone has gone ahead and done an article like this, but I encourage you all to comment and let us know if you agree, disagree or if you have your own list to share. Thanks for reading!
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