The troubled 26-year-old center Aaron Neary is on the Los Angeles Rams for the time being after being picked up in 2017. Neary will compete for a backup role, but after an arrest for a misdemeanor DUI and hit and run last season and now violating the league’s substance abuse policy, resulting in a four-game suspension early this offseason, Neary will have a lot to prove in order for him to secure a roster spot on the roster.
We continue our roster preview series with Aaron Neary.
2018 Season
Neary was cut before the 2018 season but placed on the practice squad after the Cleveland Browns claimed and promptly waived him not even a week later. The Rams added him to their practice squad the next week.
He would remain on the Rams practice squad the whole season despite his midseason arrest. Neary signed a reserve/future contract with the Rams immediately following conclusion of the 2018 season.
Roster Battle
The battle for Neary due to his recent suspension becomes tricky because he’s already on the roster bubble. However, the Rams have proven to be patient and understanding of their players when they have been forced to deal with a suspension.
In the Les Snead era alone, the Rams have allowed players such as wide receiver Stedman Bailey, offensive guard Jamon Brown, cornerback Troy Hill, and wide receiver Mike Thomas come back and compete despite being ineligible to play in the early portion of the year.
Neary’s battle lies at center, but he has the versatility to play guard which adds to his value. However with the amount of talent the Rams have at guard, it’s Neary will have a better chance at making the final roster at center.
Ahead of Neary on the depth chart is only Brian Allen. AAF standout Jeremiah Kolone also has a case, but Neary has started a game for the Rams at the center, giving him added experience.
After Allen and Kolone, Youngstown State undrafted rookie, Vitas Hrynkiewicz, will also compete for a spot. You may not be able to spell or pronounce his name, but he’s a talented player that shouldn’t be looked over.
The positives for Neary’s journey result in the fact that he’s 26-years old and he’s started a game for the Rams. However, the negatives lie with a run-in with law enforcement. Neary isn’t a player that has proven himself as a starter. If the backup is unreliable, the Rams may go in another direction.
Looking at the other players that Nearly is competing with, Allen is a player that the team loves, Kolone started games in the AAF, and Hrynkiewicz has upside. It’s safe to say, Neary has a battle and his four-game suspension has done him no favors.
Three Plays on Tape
Biggest Question
2019 Outlook and Role
Chances of Making the Final Roster
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