The Los Angeles Rams have a plethora of undrafted free agents that will be competing for depth spots on the offensive line. While they each show the potential to be solid depth pieces and each brings their strengths, there are only so many roster spots.
One of those players that will be competing is an undrafted free agent out of Dartmouth, Matt Kaskey and it’s with him that we’ll continue our roster preview series.
College Career
The Big Green offense flourished with the three-time captain starting every game at left tackle. Dartmouth ranked 11th in rushing and ranked sixth in fewest sacks allowed in the FCS.
As a freshman he saw action in eight games, making one start, but took the next step in his sophomore season. Kaskey was named Honorable Mention All-Ivy and was a big part of an offensive line that yielded the fewest sacks (13) in the Ivy League. The Illinois native helped block for an offense that racked up nearly 410 yards per game, which included 615 yards gained against Brown – the most in 90 years in program history.
Once again Kaskey improved as a junior. He made his debut on the Ivy League’s First Team. He helped the Big Green rank 15th nationally in fewest sacks allowed and paved the way for two running backs to be among the top seven in rushing yards per game.
A dominant force in the Ivy League, Kaskey got national recognition as a senior. He was named Third-Team All-America by the Associated Press and was a unanimous First-Team All-Ivy selection. He was an anchor on an offensive line that helped Dartmouth finish the season ranked 11th in the FCS in rushing (254.7 yards per game) and sixth in fewest sacks allowed.
He’s was a three-time captain at Dartmouth and will be coming to the Rams looking to make a name for himself in training camp.
Roster Battle
Kaskey was a stud at left tackle at Dartmouth but will need to move to guard with the Rams if he’s to make the roster. The Rams have plenty of depth at tackle after drafting Bobby Evans and David Edwards.
However, at guard is where the competition is wide open.
The Rams have Austin Blyth and Joseph Noteboom as the projected starters, but behind them is where it gets murky. Chandler Brewer, Jamil Demby, Jeremiah Kalone, and Vitas Hrynkiewicz are all competing for depth spots. Brewer, Kalone, and Hrynkiewicz join Kaskey as undrafted players.
Earning a spot on this roster is going to be won and lost in training camp and the preseason.
Three Plays on Tape
While it is against a smaller player, I like the way Dartmouth LT Matt Kaskey (#78) finishes this play. pic.twitter.com/hT4DFawaiA
— Chad Reuter (@chad_reuter) June 24, 2018
Kaskey is relentless on this play, and it’s precisely what you like to see from on the offensive line. The Big Green offensive lineman quickly gets to the second level and then drives the defender into the ground. However, it doesn’t stop there as Kaskey makes sure he stays there. This is the norm with Kaskey. He has a “nastiness” to him.
Here you get Kaskey in pass protection and can see how he stone walls the defensive end. This is the norm with Kaskey, and it’s obvious how Dartmouth was one of the least sacked offenses in the country.
This play displays Kaskey’s athleticism. He pulls to the right on the jet sweep. Kaskey takes out to potential tacklers in what becomes a play that goes for a first down.
Biggest Question
Will Kaskey prove enough in training camp to make the roster?
There is no doubt that Kaskey has the potential and shows what it takes to be successful in the NFL. While the competition from the NFL and the Ivy League will be night and day, the skill level is there.
There is a lot of untapped potential competing for depth pieces on the offensive line. Kaskey will need to separate himself in training camp and the preseason.
2019 Outlook and Role
If Kaskey doesn’t make the roster, he will be a perfect candidate for the practice squad. However, the final roster should not be seen as a long shot. It’s a wide-open competition at offensive line and there is no reason why Kaskey can’t earn a spot on be a depth piece on gamedays.
Chances of Making Final Roster
It’s going to be an uphill battle for Kaskey, but given his ability to play both the tackle and guard positions, he will have some value and have a good chance. It will all depend on how many offensive linemen the Rams decide to keep and what Kaskey shows in training camp and the preseason. If he comes up short of the final-53, he’ll be a priority to sign to the practice squad.
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