By August 30th at 4pm ET, all NFL teams will make tough choices to cut their rosters down to 53 players. Most teams have started slowly cutting players due to roster restriction deadlines, the most recent being 80 players before August 23rd. During the regular season, teams have 53 active roster spots and 16 practice squad spots. The Rams have good depth at most positions, and GM Les Snead will have to make many hard decisions before tomorrow. That being said, here’s my prediction for the Rams’ 53-man roster.
QB (3) Matthew Stafford, John Wolford, Bryce Perkins
This is probably one of the easiest to predict out of all the positions. Stafford is the unquestionable starter, and Wolford has shown that he has the talent to be a capable backup. Even though Wolford isn’t nearly as talented as Perkins, the coaching staff loves him, and he does a great job running the scout team. As for Bryce Perkins, his great showing in preseason should again earn him a spot on the roster.
RB (4) Cam Akers, Darrell Henderson, Kyren Williams, Jake Funk
Not much has changed in this running back room compared to last year, the only new addition being Kyren Williams. All of these running backs have been injured at one point or another, so I wouldn’t be surprised to see them carry another one or at least a couple on the practice squad.
WR (7) Allen Robinson, Cooper Kupp, Van Jefferson, Tutu Atwell, Ben Skowronek, Lance McCutcheon, Brandon Powell
In one of the Rams deepest positions, they decide to carry 6 wide receivers plus Brandon Powell, who is going to be their kick returner. The Rams run the highest percentage of 11-personnel (3 wide receivers on the field) in the league so it only makes sense that they would carry the most at that position. Almost all of these guys are locks to make the roster, with good reports about Tutu coming from camp and Lance McCutcheon’s strong showing in the preseason.
TE (3) Tyler Higbee, Jacob Harris, Brycen Hopkins
Kendall Blanton being cut opens up a spot in the tight end room for Jacob Harris. He did “switch” to wide receiver in the offseason, but I think he’s going to be back as a tight end after that monster block in the preseason, and given the fact that the Rams are thin at this position. McVay doesn’t use his tight ends a lot, so it won’t matter too much but I think they’ll keep 3.
OT (5) Rob Havenstein, Joe Noteboom, Bobby Evans, AJ Jackson, AJ Arcuri
OG (3) David Edwards, Coleman Shelton, Tremayne Anchrum
C (1) Brian Allen
After the Logan Bruss injury, the Rams will likely carry extra offensive linemen. Havenstein and Noteboom are the starters at right and left tackle, with an open spot now for Arcuri to make the roster. I think that for all the linemen, versatility is valued and most of the guys here would be comfortable playing guard. David Edwards and Shelton will likely be starting on the interior and Shelton might be backing up Brian Allen at center. Jackson, Arcuri, and Anchrum still have room to grow having played limited time.
DL (6) Aaron Donald, A’Shawn Robinson, Greg Gaines, Jonah Williams, Marquise Copeland, Michael Hoecht
The Rams love to rotate the defensive line, so depth is a crucial part in that. There are a couple of guys that could be in the last two spots including Copeland, Hoecht, and Williams. Even though Brown is suspended the first six games, he will likely have a role when he returns.
OLB (5) Leonard Floyd, Justin Hollins, Terrell Lewis, Daniel Hardy, Chris Garrett
The Rams struggled last season to rush the passer on the outside, prompting them to trade for Von Miller. With the return of Justin Hollins and the possibility of the emergence of Garrett, this position group is an improvement from last year. Hardy will likely make the roster and be moved to the IR possibly opening a spot for another player.
ILB (3) Bobby Wagner, Ernest Jones, Christian Rozeboom
One of the weakest positions on the team in recent years should be much better with the addition of Wagner and Ernest Jones entering his second year. Travin Howard could also join this list if his rehab goes well, but will probably open the year on Reserve/NFI list. Christian Rozeboom makes it as a rotational player with value on special teams.
CB (6) Jalen Ramsey, David Long, Robert Rochell, Troy Hill, Cobie Durant, Derion Kendrick
Snead went into the offseason with the goal of retooling the secondary and he did just that. This year’s secondary should be a good mix of veterans and young talent with Ramsey leading the bunch. Getting Troy Hill back from the Browns was an underrated move, and he should be as good as if not better than Darious Williams. It’ll be interesting to watch which of the young corners develops over the next couple of years.
S (4) Jordan Fuller, Taylor Rapp, Nick Scott, Russ Yeast
Similar to the cornerbacks, the safety position is an interesting mix of veteran and young talent that is not one of the Rams’ strongest. Fuller and Scott are the only locks. While I could see this going a couple of different ways due to the draft capital spent on DBs this offseason, I see Rapp, Scott and Yeast making the roster with Burgess the odd man out.
ST (3) Matt Gay, Riley Dixon, Matthew Orzech
This is another position group that’s a lock. Dixon beat out Dicker in the punting competition, and it’s guaranteed that the other two make it. I would also expect that they keep Dicker on the practice squad (if he is not signed by another team) as insurance in case Dixon doesn’t work out.
Injured (4) Logan Bruss (out for season), Daniel Hardy (makes 53 then moved to IL), Travin Howard (Reserve/NFI), Quentin Lake (Reserve/PUP)
Suspended (1) Bobby Brown III
About Post Author
