The Los Angeles Rams have one of the most competitive rosters in recent memory this season. That makes roster spots extremely difficult to come by. This is especially true on the offensive line. Despite losing Rodger Saffold and John Sullivan, the Rams are extremely deep upfront. One of those players who will be competing for a roster spot on the offensive line is Jeremiah Kolone. He’s next in our roster preview series.
2018 Season
Jeremiah Kolone signed with the Los Angeles Rams as an undrafted free agent out of San Jose State following the 2018 NFL Draft. Kolone was the team’s lowest graded offensive lineman during the preseason, playing most of his snaps at guard according to Pro Football Focus.
Kolone was subsequently cut before Week 1 and then signed to the team’s practice squad. The Rams then released Kolone from the practice squad nine days later after bringing back Aaron Neary.
After being cut by the Rams for a second time, Kolone joined the San Diego Fleet of the AAF. Kolone was the starting center for the Fleet before the league collapsed. The former San Jose State center graded as the No. 11 center out of 13 according to Pro Football Focus and gave up the third-most pressures in pass protection.
Following the 2019 season, the Rams re-signed him to a deal, allowing him to once again compete for a spot.
Roster Battle
This is going to be an uphill battle for Kolone, but he is one of the more experienced players with his time in the AAF. The good news is that the Los Angeles Rams like what they see or they wouldn’t have brought him back for a second consecutive offseason. The bad news is that Kolone will be competing with Jamil Demby, Matt Kaskey, Aaron Neary, and others who bring high upside.
Three Plays on Tape
This first play comes from the AAF. Kolone (No. 62) helps execute a double-team on the defensive tackle, opening up a large hole from the running back to get through. The Fleet end up scoring on the play, and it all comes back to this block set up by Kolone.
This is another play from the AAF and is a disaster upfront. Kolone isn’t 100% at fault here, but he does tend to lose his defender due to poor footwork and lack of speed to catch up. On this play, Kolone and the guard are supposed to double team the defensive tackle. However, the guard gives the incoming defender a slight push and passes him over to Kolone, unfortunately for Kolone he’s too slow to get there, and the defender gets through. Five guys are blocking four. This pressure shouldn’t happen.
This final play comes from the preseason last year and is a good pass protection rep for Kolone. He stays in front of the defensive tackle and allows Luis Perez to get the ball off on time.
Biggest Question
Will Kolone show improvement from year one to year two?
Kolone spent training camp with the Rams last season and was cut. He then had time to develop in San Diego with the Fleet in the AAF. If Kolone can show that he has developed and improved from last season, he could end up with a more permanent spot on the practice squad.
2019 Outlook and Role
The outlook for Kolone isn’t great. He is versatile on the inside as he can play all three positions and was listed as a tackle at San Jose State despite playing on the inside. That does bring value; however, with players like Neary, Kaskey, and Vitas Hrynkiewicz also competing for a role, it will be an uphill battle.
Chances of Making Final Roster
Kolone has something that not many of the other plays competing will have – meaningful experience. He spent all of last season with the AAF, picking up meaningful snaps whiled continuing to develop. However, the Rams do have good depth here. Therefore that advantage won’t be as significant. If he plays well in camp and during the preseason, he will have a chance, but the practice squad seems like his best bet.
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