[ramsrams]

I know this is out there, and it is way too early to say this, but I’m going to post it anyway.

I’m getting a London Fletcher vibe from Dakota Allen. He’s got a nose for the ball, and so far hasn’t looked completely lost in the passing game.

You can only play against the guys the other teams put on the field, so he hasn’t played against real competition yet. Maybe he’ll suck when the game speeds up.

So far, for me, he’s passing the eye test.

[Elvis]

Latest from Vinny, we'll be hearing from the Rams soon enough, deadline is Saturday at 1PM (pacific):

https://theathletic.com/1160943/2019/08 ... ason-ends/

Young players reach for final spots on Rams’ 53-man roster as preseason ends

By Vincent Bonsignore

The Rams have until next Saturday to make final calls on their season-opening 53-man roster. After their third preseason game, against the Denver Broncos on Saturday, it’s fairly obvious they have difficult decisions to make at linebacker, cornerback, safety and wide receiver. A number of young players have seized opportunities for playing time while most of the starters sit out exhibition games.

Here is my 53-man roster prediction as cut-down day approaches.

Quarterbacks (2)
Jared Goff, Blake Bortles

Goff continues to sit out the preseason but appears poised to take another major step forward after putting together a terrific offseason and training camp. Bortles sat out the third preseason game on Saturday night, a good sign he is right where he needs to be as Goff’s backup. If the Rams keep a third QB, rookie John Wolford seems to be nudging ahead of Brandon Allen. More than likely, the Rams will keep one or two quarterbacks on the practice squad.

Running backs (4)
Todd Gurley, Malcolm Brown, Darrell Henderson, John Kelly

Gurley and Brown are set as the top two running backs, but it gets interesting after that as both Henderson and Kelly have flashed intriguing skill sets as change-of-pace options. Henderson’s ability as a pass-catcher gives him an edge, and as he masters the offense and his role, he figures to improve as a decisive runner. Kelly, now in his second year in the offense, has shown an instinctual and natural running style as he continues to fight for a spot. Justin Davis has talent, but he could be the odd man out in a crowded field.

Receivers (6)
Brandin Cooks, Robert Woods, Cooper Kupp, Josh Reynolds, Mike Thomas, JoJo Natson

Thomas began Saturday’s preseason game by hauling in a 51-yard catch on the Rams’ first possession. He flashed his speed and big-play ability by going up the sideline to make the catch. It’s hard to imagine Thomas, a fourth-year receiver, not making the final cut behind Cooks, Woods, Kupp and Reynolds. Natson’s punt-returning ability might be the difference in him beating out the rest of a talented young field for a spot on the 53-man roster. The Rams figure to have some interesting practice-squad options with KhaDarel Hodge, Nsimba Webster and Jalen Greene, among others.

Tight ends (3)
Tyler Higbee, Gerald Everett, Johnny Mundt

The Rams added undrafted rookie free agents Romello Brocker, Keenan Brown and Kendall Blanton, believing one of them could push Mundt, whom they value for blocking ability. There is a good chance that one or two of them will be practice-squad candidates, but it looks like the Rams will stay with the status quo at tight end.

Offensive linemen (8)
LT Andrew Whitworth, LG Joe Noteboom, C Brian Allen, RG Austin Blythe, RT Rob Havenstein, T David Edwards, T Bobby Evans, C/G/T Jamil Demby (plus suspended G/C Aaron Neary)

Edwards, a rookie from Wisconsin, has improved every week and he turned in his best performance of the preseason on Saturday against the Broncos. He appears to be ahead of Evans, a fellow rookie drafted in the third round from Oklahoma, although the Rams have confidence that Evans can develop into a dependable reserve as the season progresses. Demby settled down on Saturday after a shaky game against the Cowboys last week and looked much more comfortable while rotating between tackle and guard. Rookie Chandler Brewer continues to get game reps and could win a roster spot or be a practice-squad candidate. Neary broke his ankle during Saturday’s preseason game and had been set to serve a four-game suspension to start the season.

Defensive linemen (6)
Aaron Donald, Michael Brockers, Sebastian Joseph-Day, Greg Gaines, John Franklin-Myers, Morgan Fox

Joseph-Day sat out Saturday’s game with a hamstring issue, but he figures to claim the starting nose tackle position in the Rams’ base defense. Nevertheless, Gaines, a rookie from Washington, has shown steady improvement over the course of camp and preseason. Franklin-Myers and Fox both have been effective as rotational rushers, roles they will be counted on to master during the regular season. Tanzel Smart has been solid throughout camp but faces a numbers crunch in a talented defensive line room.

Outside linebackers (5)
Dante Fowler Jr., Clay Matthews III, Samson Ebukam, Ogbonnia Okoronkwo, Natrez Patrick

For the second straight week, Okoronkwo and Patrick made their presence felt, which has created confidence among the coaching staff that they can be dependable backups as soon as this season. They both bring speed, athletic ability and a natural feel on the pass rush, but also the versatility to be effective against the run. Although regular-season playing time could be scarce behind Fowler Jr., Matthews and Ebukam, the depth they create is invaluable. Besides, Rams defensive coordinator Wade Phillips has never been shy about creating packages to get talented playmakers on the field, and if Patrick and Okoronkwo continue to develop they could play their way into situational roles.

Inside linebackers (4)
Cory Littleton, Bryce Hager, Trevin Howard, Dakota Allen

Micah Kiser’s pectoral injury and subsequent surgery could land him on the injured-reserve list, and that opens the door for Hager to win the starting job opposite Littleton and for youngsters like Howard and Allen to make their moves. Howard was electric on Saturday while coming up with eight tackles, and Allen continues to show up as a tough, physical force. The Rams are in their base defense roughly 30 percent of the time, and that could dictate how they populate this position. With so much talent at cornerback — and the long-range uncertainty of Marcus Peters and Aqib Talib — the Rams could go slightly thinner at ILB in order to create roster room for an additional defensive back.

Cornerbacks (7)
Marcus Peters, Aqib Talib, Troy Hill, Nickell Robey-Coleman, David Long, Kevin Peterson, Darious Williams

The play of Peterson and Williams during the preseason has turned cornerback into a position of strength and depth. They’ve more than justified spots on the 53-man roster, even if it means dropping a player at another position. Peters, Talib, Hill and Robey-Coleman are set as the top four corners, but Long, a rookie from Michigan, continues to surge up the depth chart after two strong performances. Some tough decisions are ahead for the Rams as they try to sort out this position.

Safeties (5)
Eric Weddle, John Johnson, Taylor Rapp, Marqui Christian, Nick Scott

Steven Parker has made a strong impression throughout camp and preseason, but with Scott showing steady improvement at safety to go along with his valuable special-teams contributions, he might have the edge behind Weddle, Johnson, Rapp and Christian.

Special teams (3)
P Johnny Hekker, K Greg Zuerlein, LS Jake McQuaide

There won’t be any changes here.

[69RamFan]

I’ve got to say... other than Demby & Webster... I agree 100%.

I would strongly consider dropping Scott to practice squad. He’s not doing much at safety yet and I don’t see other teams with space for a purely special teams guy.

Keeping Darious Williams makes me happy.

I would agree with you on Webster,,,
But there is no one on the team that's better than Demby,,,,,
Evans looks even worst that Demby…
But we have to at least keep at a minimum 8 O-linemen, and after those two and Edwards as a back up,,, their is no body better on the team...

The only thing we can do is wait to get someone from FA after the cuts...

Plus I can see a possibility of keeping OLB/Durham over S/Scott

[69RamFan]

Edwards looked better at tackle, for sure... and I think better at guard as well, which surprised me.
Edwards had a second round grade after his junior year and he's playing like it.

Yes I totally agree,,,
He will be the sixth man,
From how he is playing...

Both Demby and Evans need more time to grow and learn their techniques... they have the size,,, but their technique are bad...

[phoenixrising]

A few observations after watching preseason games...

QB: Liking Wohlford over Allen. He just seems to recognize things more quickly. And Allen's had a few years in the system.

TE: Why do I keep reading that Mundt is a blocking TE? I think it's the sound of his name (seriously!) and the fact he doesn't catch many balls. But he's not a good blocker. He was known as a receiving TE coming out, and I've seen things I like, but not enough to get excited about.

WR: I really like Hodge. He may not make it to the PS. I rate him close to Thomas. Thomas has flashed more talent, but he's also flashed his old bugaboo, the dropsies. Really seems like a waste to carry Natson.

OL: I'm concerned about the depth here. Hard to guage how much the rookies will improve over the season, but right now I think the Rams have a big problem if any of them have to play right away. And that includes Demby. I've actually been impressed with Brewer as much as any of them. Big guy, moves pretty well, steady play though he has been beat a couple times. For a small-school UDFA, I think the Rams may have found something here. But not this year. Gotta think Snead is keeping a close eye on the waiver wire.


DL: SJD-solid if unspectacular. Gaines just starting to come on. Smart is an interesting one...he's got talent, but he's always had trouble making a play once he gets there.

LB: Lots of competition here, huh? Pleasant surprise. Dakota is really impressive, but I'm not sure he'll be ready to contribute this year outside ST. Surprised me how good he was in coverage. Howard has done nothing but impress. Sideline to sideline speed. I would love to see someone overtake Hager. Obo really impressive! I was surprised with his power game. I think he challenges Ebukam soon rather than later. I thought Fox was on the bubble, but he's really come on(Is Fox back at DE? Can't keep him straight). Natrez Patrick takes his talents to the PS.

CB: Troy Hill can cover, but can't make a play on the ball. Peterson can play the ball but has shortcomings in coverage.

S: Can't wait to watch Rapp this season. I don't see how you can keep Parker off the roster.

[Elvis]

Jojo and Thomas not suiting up tonight, looks like they both made it...

[69RamFan]

Updated OP 8/29/19

[max]

How long before DAllen replaces Hager as starting ILB?

My guess is week 6.

[Elvis]

Vinny's final 53:

With preseason battles over, here’s the Rams’ final projected 53-man roster

By Vincent Bonsignore Aug 29, 2019

HOUSTON – The press box meal line can sometimes produce interesting conversation, and when the person next to you happens to be a key voice in the Rams’ decision-making process, it increases the odds something interesting can be gleaned.

Before the Rams’ final preseason game Thursday in Houston, and with roster cuts looming, some insight got provided.

“There’s some big-time battles going on,” the Rams personnel executive said. “It’s going to be interesting how it all shakes out.”

To most people, the preseason finale is an excruciatingly mundane and mandatory formality. Kind of like that long stretch of the Mojave Desert you have to endure on the way from L.A. to Las Vegas. The regular season can’t get here fast enough. But to get there, you have to put up with one more exhibition game. And this one arrived without a hint of the Rams’ star players.

To other people — like, say, an influential figure in the very department that helps decide the 53-man roster — the final preseason game is a last-second chance to put a focused pair of eyes on a handful of players still fighting for a chance to stick around. A key contributor this year might emerge, or a starting player down the road.

Cory Littleton began his campaign for a prominent role with the Rams on that very stage a few years ago. Austin Blythe did as well. There are plenty of hidden treasures if you look hard enough.

That was the case this year more than most, on a Rams team that appears as deep and talented as any since the team arrived from St. Louis in 2016. Credit for that goes to general manager Les Snead and his staff, who assembled an impressive 89-man training camp roster.

The Rams also created a bit of a problem for themselves. It’a good one to have, no doubt. And it certainly beats the alternative. But it’s a problem nonetheless as they go about trimming that 89-man team down to the mandatory 53 by Saturday afternoon.

In Thursday’s game, a 22-10 Rams victory over the Texans, a bunch of young players did their best to state their cases. Meetings, discussions and analysis will follow as the Rams’ front office and coaching staff decides who will claim spots on the final roster. Then there’s the process of picking through the players hitting the waiver wire over the next few days, and the chance that a position or two could be strengthened by an outsider.

Mostly, though, the Rams will try to figure out who to keep from a stacked group of cornerbacks, safeties and wide receivers.

The Rams likely tipped their hand at wide receiver by not dressing Mike Thomas and JoJo Natson while suiting up KhaDarel Hodge and Nsimba Webster. That’s a pretty good sign Thomas and Natson will be on the final roster. Depending on how many receivers the Rams carry, Hodge and Webster, both of whom has strong camps, could be on the outs.

That said, here is my final 53-man roster projection:

Quarterbacks (2)
Jared Goff, Blake Bortles

For the second straight year, Goff did not play in the preseason. But based on his work in camp, specifically a handful of dominant joint practices against the Raiders and Chargers, the fourth-year quarterback appears poised to take another major step forward this season. Bortles was held out of the last two exhibition games and is the undisputed No. 2 behind Goff. Given some of the fierce battles across the roster, the Rams could create room elsewhere by keeping only two quarterbacks while stashing either Brandon Allen or John Wolford on the practice squad.

Running backs (4)
Todd Gurley, Malcolm Brown, Darrell Henderson, John Kelly

Gurley and Brown are set as the top two running backs and Henderson was not suited up on Thursday so that’s a pretty good indication he hasn’t just locked down the third spot, but that the Rams envision a role for him this year. Kelly has flashed throughout camp and preseason and appears ahead of Justin Davis as the fourth running back. However, if the Rams opt for a different player profile for that spot, there is a case to be made for Davis over Kelly.

Receivers (6)
Brandin Cooks, Robert Woods, Cooper Kupp, Josh Reynolds, Mike Thomas, JoJo Natson

The top four spots have long since been locked down, and Reynolds could be a starter on just about any other team. He got the veteran treatment by not suiting up during the preseason, so the Rams obviously have big plans for him. A strong camp and preseason put Thomas back on the Rams’ radar, and he now appears to be a lock to make the team along with Natson, whose punt-return skills are enough to justify a spot. The Rams should have some interesting practice-squad options among Hodge, Nsimba Webster and Jalen Greene.

Tight ends (3)
Tyler Higbee, Gerald Everett, Johnny Mundt

Romello Brocker, Keenan Brown and Kendall Blanton were brought in as undrafted free agents as the Rams hoped to create some competition for Mundt, a valuable blocker and special-teams player. Blanton hauled in a 12-yard touchdown pass on Thursday but it looks like the Rams will stay with last year’s group at tight end.


Kendall Blanton is an undrafted free agent from Missouri. (Troy Taormina / USA Today)
Offensive linemen (8)
LT Andrew Whitworth, LG Joe Noteboom, C Brian Allen, RG Austin Blythe, RT Rob Havenstein, T David Edwards, T Bobby Evans, C/G/T Jamil Demby (plus suspended G/C Aaron Neary)

The Rams sat Edwards, Demby and Evans against the Texans and that’s a big clue that they will comprise the three-man reserve corps behind the starting five. Nevertheless, keep an eye on the line this weekend because the Rams might look outside for backup help. Rookie Chandler Brewer started the last three preseason games to put himself on the Rams’ practice-squad radar, if not consideration for another team’s 53-man roster. Neary suffered a fractured ankle in Week 3 of the preseason and had been set to serve a four-game suspension to start the season.

Defensive linemen (6)
Aaron Donald, Michael Brockers, Sebastian Joseph-Day, Greg Gaines, Tanzel Smart, Morgan Fox

Joseph-Day appears to have held off Gaines, a rookie, for the base nose tackle position alongside Donald and Brockers. But Gaines should forge a role for himself before long. Fox has played well as a rotational rusher after missing all of last year with a knee injury. It’s a job he will carry into the regular season. The surprise here is that Smart has played well enough to push his way back into playing-time consideration, which could cut into John Franklin-Myers’ action. And if the Rams opt to keep fewer defensive linemen to create room elsewhere — say cornerback or safety — Franklin-Myers could be the odd man out. Also, keep an eye on this spot as the Rams could add depth via the waiver wire if a good player falls to their spot in the pecking order.

Outside linebackers (5)
Dante Fowler Jr., Clay Matthews III, Samson Ebukam, Ogbonnia Okoronkwo, Natrez Patrick

The addition of Matthews, and his insertion into the starting lineup, creates length at OLB as Ebukam goes from starter to effective situational role player. That should take some of the pressure off him as he continues to evolve as a player. Okoronkwo and Patrick were both effective during the preseason and eventually could earn regular-season playing time..

Inside linebackers (4)
Cory Littleton, Bryce Hager, Travin Howard, Dakota Allen

Bryce Hager assumed the starting job opposite Littleton after Micah Kiser suffered a serious pectoral injury that will sideline him for an extended period. Howard and Allen both played well throughout camp and the preseason to seemingly win jobs as the two backups.

Cornerbacks (7)
Aqib Talib, Marcus Peters, Nickell Robey-Coleman, Troy Hill, David Long Jr., Kevin Peterson, Darious Williams

With the depth here, the Rams might keep an extra cornerback, especially as a way to maintain control of a talented player into the future, given that Talib and Peters are entering the final years of their contracts. If they opt to keep six corners, the last spot figures to come down to Williams and Peterson and that is a tough, tough decision because both have played well. Peters, Talib, Hill and Robey-Coleman are set as the top four corners while Long, a rookie, continues to impress. The depth means he can be brought along with patience, although when he proves it’s his time to play, the Rams will not hesitate to use him.

Safeties (5)
Eric Weddle, John Johnson, Taylor Rapp, Marqui Christian, Nick Scott

Much like cornerback, the safety position is another one to watch closely because Steven Parker played his way into strong consideration for a job. But with the roles of Weddle, Johnson, Rapp and Christian set, and Scott as a special-teams ace, there might not be enough room for Parker.

Special teams (3)
P Johnny Hekker, K Greg Zuerlein, LS Jake McQuaide

There won’t be any changes here.

[Rams43]

About JoJo. While it’s true that he is not among the top 8 WR’s, it’s also probably true that he is a Bone’s decision for the ST. I think McVay is gonna defer to coach Bones here. TBH, how many snaps is our 6th WR likely to get, anyway? If the decision is to keep JoJo, I’m just gonna have to accept it and move on. Sigh...

Wolford just has “IT”, and will never make it through waivers. I mean, he’s a promising QB, for cryin’ out loud! Those are scarce as hen’s teeth, y’all. We keep him on the 53 or we lose him. It’s really that simple. And then we’re back in the position next year of not having either a #2 or a #3. No thanks.

Webster and Hodge will NOT clear waivers, okay? Maybe Greene will be claimed, as well. If the first two are cut then we lose them. Only way to salvage some value for either is to trade them for a player or a pick.

Darious Williams is another player that will not clear waivers. Very possibly Deayon is another. CB’s are a precious commodity in today’s NFL and both of these kids are playmakers. I think Wade keeps Hill simply because of his experience, despite the apparent higher ceiling for the youngsters. A darned if you do, darned if you don’t thing.

Steven Parker is my last very likely player not to clear waivers. He’s put out too much good tape and he will be snatched up long before it’s our turn at #31.

The above constitute 5-7 promising players that very likely will be cut and at the same time very likely to be claimed. There could be more at DL and LB, tbh. And surely a few of these kids are gonna come back and haunt us while playing for other teams.

Man, when’s the last time you recall the Rams having a roster that talented at such depth?

I do NOT envy Snead/McVay making these agonizing decisions.