Mid pre-season 53 roster

[oldnotdead]

I honestly think that the Rams will go with an unbalanced roster in favor of the defense this year. I also see Wade structuring the roster to give him maximum flexibility. I don't think SJD has done enough to win a place on this roster. Watching him play I see the same player he was last year when he was inactive every game. Coming into this season penetration and getting off blocks had to be at the top of his list. Yes he improved his physique, but he needed to improve his technique which apparently he didn't do. So it wouldn't surprise me if he only kept Gaines at NT since that position is normally played on first down and short yardage only. By going heavy on DB's and LB's Wade gives himself maximum flexibility. One of his favorite alignments is 2 DT's (3Ts) and 2 EDGE on the LOS. He covers the middle with 2 LBs over the A gaps.

Also, I think Jojo's fumble problems are going to cost him a roster spot. Webster is fast and looks sure-handed while bringing more to the table as a WR as well. IMO this will be Troy Hill's last season with the Rams unless he really elevates his play. The same might be said of Roby-Coleman as both have contracts that keep them on the team this year but not so next year.

Next week will be the week that will separate the keepers from the chaff.

QB Goff - Bortles
RB Gurley - Brown - Henderson - Kelly
XWR - Woods - Reynolds
YWR - Kupp - Hodge - Webster
ZWR - Cooks - Bachman
TE - Everett - Higbee
LT Whitworth
LG Noteboom
C Allen
RG - Blythe
RT - Havenstein
O-line: Edwards, Evans, Demby
Offense 23

DE Brockers - Okoronkwo
NT Gaines
DT Donald - Franklin-Myers
WIL Fowler - Carraway
OLB Ebukam
MIKE Littleton
ILB Matthews
LB - Hager, Allen, Patrick, Young
RCB Talib - Long, Hill
LCB Peters - Peterson
Slot Roby-Coleman - Darious Williams
FS Weddle - Rapp - Scott
S Johnson - Parker - Gervase
Defense 27

LS McQuaide
P Hekker
K Zuerlein
Returner Scott & Webster

 

[Ram65]

QB Goff - Bortles
RB Gurley - Brown - Henderson - Kelly
XWR - Woods - Reynolds
YWR - Kupp - Hodge - Webster
ZWR - Cooks - Bachman
TE - Everett - Higbee
LT Whitworth
LG Noteboom
C Allen
RG - Blythe
RT - Havenstein
O-line: Edwards, Evans, Demby
Offense 23

What about Mundt as the third TE? I could see Bachman going to the PS and keeping Mundt.

I read your post on Demby having to think too much. You could be right but, maybe the Rams pick up a veteran.

DE Brockers - Okoronkwo
NT Gaines
DT Donald - Franklin-Myers
WIL Fowler - Carraway
OLB Ebukam
MIKE Littleton
ILB Matthews
LB - Hager, Allen, Patrick, Young
RCB Talib - Long, Hill
LCB Peters - Peterson
Slot Roby-Coleman - Darious Williams
FS Weddle - Rapp - Scott
S Johnson - Parker - Gervase
Defense 27

SJD hasn't been improved as I expected. JDM has been doing much either. I guess with Kiser being hurt Hager has to stay but, he did take the wrong angle on the run that let Dallas get off the hook after the early sack. With no JDM the Rams lack some beef up the middle. Rams add some cost-efficient young talent on defense.

 

[Karate61]

I honestly think that the Rams will go with an unbalanced roster in favor of the defense this year. I also see Wade structuring the roster to give him maximum flexibility. I don't think SJD has done enough to win a place on this roster. Watching him play I see the same player he was last year when he was inactive every game. Coming into this season penetration and getting off blocks had to be at the top of his list. Yes he improved his physique, but he needed to improve his technique which apparently he didn't do. So it wouldn't surprise me if he only kept Gaines at NT since that position is normally played on first down and short yardage only. By going heavy on DB's and LB's Wade gives himself maximum flexibility. One of his favorite alignments is 2 DT's (3Ts) and 2 EDGE on the LOS. He covers the middle with 2 LBs over the A gaps.

Also, I think Jojo's fumble problems are going to cost him a roster spot. Webster is fast and looks sure-handed while bringing more to the table as a WR as well. IMO this will be Troy Hill's last season with the Rams unless he really elevates his play. The same might be said of Roby-Coleman as both have contracts that keep them on the team this year but not so next year.

Next week will be the week that will separate the keepers from the chaff.

QB Goff - Bortles
RB Gurley - Brown - Henderson - Kelly
XWR - Woods - Reynolds
YWR - Kupp - Hodge - Webster
ZWR - Cooks - Bachman
TE - Everett - Higbee
LT Whitworth
LG Noteboom
C Allen
RG - Blythe
RT - Havenstein
O-line: Edwards, Evans, Demby
Offense 23

DE Brockers - Okoronkwo
NT Gaines
DT Donald - Franklin-Myers
WIL Fowler - Carraway
OLB Ebukam
MIKE Littleton
ILB Matthews
LB - Hager, Allen, Patrick, Young
RCB Talib - Long, Hill
LCB Peters - Peterson
Slot Roby-Coleman - Darious Williams
FS Weddle - Rapp - Scott
S Johnson - Parker - Gervase
Defense 27

LS McQuaide
P Hekker
K Zuerlein
Returner Scott & Webster

Nice list. No Mike Thomas, huh. Even with reports of his camp this year being impressive?

 

[OC--LeftCoast]

I like your list however I cannot imagine not having 3 TEs

 

[PhillyRam]

I see Troy Hill getting moved to a CB needy team. Too many other options that they control for more years.

Also either SJD or Smart make it. Need more depth inside, especially with a rookie NT starting. Also could add a vet cut if they don't like those other guys.

Will have a 3rd TE, either Mundt or a vet cut. Also Carraway looks limited to me. Would rather have Durham's upside. Howard should make it as well. I know they talked up Hager, but I do not see it.

 

[PressureD41]

Demby is a flag ready to happen, I'm not sold he makes the cut. I wouldn't be shocked if Demby gets beat out by Kolone TBH. Mundt will make the team, gotta have 3 TEs, plus I see 12 personnel being used more this season.

DEF 25

DL: AD99/Brockers/Gaines/Fox/SJD
LB: Fowler/Ebukam/Clay/Patrick/Littleton/Hager/Okoronkwo/Howard/Durham
CB: Talib/Peters/Peterson/Long/NRC
S: Weddle/ JJ3/Tapp/Christian/Scott/Parker

OFF 25
QB: Goff/Bortles
RB: Gurley/Brown/Henderson/Kelly
WR: Kupp/Reynolds/Cooks/Woods/Thomas/Hodge/Greene/Webster
OL: Whit/Havs/Boom/Allen/Blythe/Evans/Edwards/Kolone
TE: Everett/Higbee/Munt

ST 3
Legatron/Hekker/McQ

 

[XXXIVwin]

I honestly think that the Rams will go with an unbalanced roster in favor of the defense this year. I also see Wade structuring the roster to give him maximum flexibility. I don't think SJD has done enough to win a place on this roster. Watching him play I see the same player he was last year when he was inactive every game. Coming into this season penetration and getting off blocks had to be at the top of his list. Yes he improved his physique, but he needed to improve his technique which apparently he didn't do. So it wouldn't surprise me if he only kept Gaines at NT since that position is normally played on first down and short yardage only. By going heavy on DB's and LB's Wade gives himself maximum flexibility. One of his favorite alignments is 2 DT's (3Ts) and 2 EDGE on the LOS. He covers the middle with 2 LBs over the A gaps.

Also, I think Jojo's fumble problems are going to cost him a roster spot. Webster is fast and looks sure-handed while bringing more to the table as a WR as well. IMO this will be Troy Hill's last season with the Rams unless he really elevates his play. The same might be said of Roby-Coleman as both have contracts that keep them on the team this year but not so next year.

Next week will be the week that will separate the keepers from the chaff.

QB Goff - Bortles
RB Gurley - Brown - Henderson - Kelly
XWR - Woods - Reynolds
YWR - Kupp - Hodge - Webster
ZWR - Cooks - Bachman
TE - Everett - Higbee
LT Whitworth
LG Noteboom
C Allen
RG - Blythe
RT - Havenstein
O-line: Edwards, Evans, Demby
Offense 23

DE Brockers - Okoronkwo
NT Gaines
DT Donald - Franklin-Myers
WIL Fowler - Carraway
OLB Ebukam
MIKE Littleton
ILB Matthews
LB - Hager, Allen, Patrick, Young
RCB Talib - Long, Hill
LCB Peters - Peterson
Slot Roby-Coleman - Darious Williams
FS Weddle - Rapp - Scott
S Johnson - Parker - Gervase
Defense 27

LS McQuaide
P Hekker
K Zuerlein
Returner Scott & Webster

Aw c’mon....
Only one NT?
Only two TE?
Mike Thomas not in the top 7 WR?
Scott as returner, even though he has zero returns this preseason?

 

[CGI_Ram]

I honestly think that the Rams will go with an unbalanced roster in favor of the defense this year. I also see Wade structuring the roster to give him maximum flexibility. I don't think SJD has done enough to win a place on this roster. Watching him play I see the same player he was last year when he was inactive every game. Coming into this season penetration and getting off blocks had to be at the top of his list. Yes he improved his physique, but he needed to improve his technique which apparently he didn't do. So it wouldn't surprise me if he only kept Gaines at NT since that position is normally played on first down and short yardage only. By going heavy on DB's and LB's Wade gives himself maximum flexibility. One of his favorite alignments is 2 DT's (3Ts) and 2 EDGE on the LOS. He covers the middle with 2 LBs over the A gaps.

Also, I think Jojo's fumble problems are going to cost him a roster spot. Webster is fast and looks sure-handed while bringing more to the table as a WR as well. IMO this will be Troy Hill's last season with the Rams unless he really elevates his play. The same might be said of Roby-Coleman as both have contracts that keep them on the team this year but not so next year.

Next week will be the week that will separate the keepers from the chaff.

QB Goff - Bortles
RB Gurley - Brown - Henderson - Kelly
XWR - Woods - Reynolds
YWR - Kupp - Hodge - Webster
ZWR - Cooks - Bachman
TE - Everett - Higbee
LT Whitworth
LG Noteboom
C Allen
RG - Blythe
RT - Havenstein
O-line: Edwards, Evans, Demby
Offense 23

DE Brockers - Okoronkwo
NT Gaines
DT Donald - Franklin-Myers
WIL Fowler - Carraway
OLB Ebukam
MIKE Littleton
ILB Matthews
LB - Hager, Allen, Patrick, Young
RCB Talib - Long, Hill
LCB Peters - Peterson
Slot Roby-Coleman - Darious Williams
FS Weddle - Rapp - Scott
S Johnson - Parker - Gervase
Defense 27

LS McQuaide
P Hekker
K Zuerlein
Returner Scott & Webster

Solid list.

 

[LARAMSinFeb.]

I'm no expert, but I really don't think Demby can play at this level. The game seems way too fast for him, even accounting for his having to think multiple positions. Even the times his assignment was block the pass rusher in front of you, he struggled mightily with reaction time. Feet seemed stuck in the mud.

 

[dang]

Demby is a flag ready to happen, I'm not sold he makes the cut. I wouldn't be shocked if Demby gets beat out by Kolone TBH. Mundt will make the team, gotta have 3 TEs, plus I see 12 personnel being used more this season.

DEF 25

DL: AD99/Brockers/Gaines/Fox/SJD
LB: Fowler/Ebukam/Clay/Patrick/Littleton/Hager/Okoronkwo/Howard/Durham
CB: Talib/Peters/Peterson/Long/NRC
S: Weddle/ JJ3/Tapp/Christian/Scott/Parker

OFF 25
QB: Goff/Bortles
RB: Gurley/Brown/Henderson/Kelly
WR: Kupp/Reynolds/Cooks/Woods/Thomas/Hodge/Greene/Webster
OL: Whit/Havs/Boom/Allen/Blythe/Evans/Edwards/Kolone
TE: Everett/Higbee/Munt

ST 3
Legatron/Hekker/McQ

I respect your prediction but what is the thought about keeping 8 WRs including Thomas/Hodge/Greene/Webster. I think only 6 WRs make the 53 man roster with perhaps one retained on PS.

 

[PressureD41]

@dang Ya your 100% right, that was a big F up. To be honest I need to learn how to count better LOL. Lets remove Webster and add OL Brewer. Still like Brewer over Demby. I see Demby as a guy "deer in the headlights" so far

 

[BonifayRam]

I'm no expert, but I really don't think Demby can play at this level. The game seems way too fast for him, even accounting for his having to think multiple positions. Even the times his assignment was block the pass rusher in front of you, he struggled mightily with reaction time. Feet seemed stuck in the mud.

Jamil Demby 2 preseason game performances was a big surprise to me. Did Kromer/Dickerson failed to foresee his lack of skills & talent this bad? Not good for this to be ongoing @ this late stage of preseason. I still think that he may be illegible for practice squad if they desire.

I bet both Kromer & Dickerson are happy that rookies Edwards & Brewer have overachieved at this time.

 

[I like Rams]

Correct me if im wrong, but McVay played the starters during camp to get more reps against the Raiders and chargers starters. In that rotation we had SJD starting with the ones, and he did very well. The fact he is not standing out in preseason tells me he is not going 100%. Why should he if he's already shown he can compete in the starting line up? Last thing he'd want is to end up like Lawler or Kiser. Its not worth it. And im sure McVay is aware of this. The only thing, IMO, he has to do is not stink it up in preseason.

 

[Rams43]

Demby is a flag ready to happen, I'm not sold he makes the cut. I wouldn't be shocked if Demby gets beat out by Kolone TBH. Mundt will make the team, gotta have 3 TEs, plus I see 12 personnel being used more this season.

DEF 25

DL: AD99/Brockers/Gaines/Fox/SJD
LB: Fowler/Ebukam/Clay/Patrick/Littleton/Hager/Okoronkwo/Howard/Durham
CB: Talib/Peters/Peterson/Long/NRC
S: Weddle/ JJ3/Tapp/Christian/Scott/Parker

OFF 25
QB: Goff/Bortles
RB: Gurley/Brown/Henderson/Kelly
WR: Kupp/Reynolds/Cooks/Woods/Thomas/Hodge/Greene/Webster
OL: Whit/Havs/Boom/Allen/Blythe/Evans/Edwards/Kolone
TE: Everett/Higbee/Munt

ST 3
Legatron/Hekker/McQ

Love your list, Pressure.

My only quibble is with the 8 WR’s. Not that they can’t all play, but I see a max of 6 WR’s. Meaning that only one of Thomas/Hodge/Greene will make it. Which one is yet tbd.

The 2 positions thereby gained will likely be divided and one will go to O and one to D. Probably tie breakers will be potential ST contributions. There’s no shortage of players that deserve to be on the 53, that’s for sure.

I liked the way that you cut/traded JoJo and Troy Hill, btw.

 

[Zaphod]

Correct me if im wrong, but McVay played the starters during camp to get more reps against the Raiders and chargers starters. In that rotation we had SJD starting with the ones, and he did very well. The fact he is not standing out in preseason tells me he is not going 100%. Why should he if he's already shown he can compete in the starting line up? Last thing he'd want is to end up like Lawler or Kiser. Its not worth it. And im sure McVay is aware of this. The only thing, IMO, he has to do is not stink it up in preseason.

People forget that Brockers has played his share 1T NT, so he could well fill that role as required.

Besides, I thought SJD was playing over center on some snaps, so he could be the 2 gap NT should the need arise? Hard for me to tell with the camera angle, can't wait until coaches film.

Either way, I doubt that he's holding back effort, rather playing a different role at NT.

 

[I like Rams]

People forget that Brockers has played his share 1T NT, so he could well fill that role as required.

Besides, I thought SJD was playing over center on some snaps, so he could be the 2 gap NT should the need arise? Hard for me to tell with the camera angle, can't wait until coaches film.

Either way, I doubt that he's holding back effort, rather playing a different role at NT.

I thought SJD and Gaines were battling it out to take Suh's position?

 

[theduke]

Nice list. No Mike Thomas, huh. Even with reports of his camp this year being impressive?

Yeah, I would absolutely keep Michael Thomas.

 

[fearsomefour]

Mundt in
Demby out
Neary in
A yet to be signed FA OL for depth.

 

[Zaphod]

I thought SJD and Gaines were battling it out to take Suh's position?

Yes and no, Suh was moved all over the line last year. Pretty sure I saw him playing 5T in an over alignment, and the thing is, the further he was from the quarterback, the less effective he really was.

When you lined him up at 1T, it was sometimes like a mosh pit, way less effective for Donald.

I think you'll see Gaines more as a 1T (which is in line with his hybrid 3-4 base) when Wade wants a nose tackle there, and to be honest if SJD can eat space at 0T/1T, he may well be better for gap control against the rush, which can also depend on who your middle line backers are. But it's really all about maximizing the threat of Donald and Fowler in the oppositions backfield.

My point is, that unlike Suh, SJD and Gaines are only going to be asked to play nose tackle in Wade's base defense, and with Brockers ready to fill in for that role as he has in the past, neither of those two should feel comfortable taking a day off.

 

[Memento]

Nice list. I disagree with a bit of it, but it looks solid. Here's mine, but first, trades:

Mike Thomas to the Cincinnati Bengals for a fifth round pick.

(With A.J. Green's injury, Thomas joins a familiar offense where he can immediately make an impact.)

Troy Hill to the Baltimore Ravens for a conditional sixth round pick.

(The Ravens just lost Tavon Young for the season with a neck injury. They need cornerback help.)

QB - Jared Goff, Blake Bortles.

(Obvious at this point, although I'd definitely keep Wolford on the practice squad.)

RB - Todd Gurley, Malcolm Brown, Darrell Henderson, John Kelly.

(Kelly has cemented his spot on the team, which unfortunately leaves Davis out in the cold. I bet he'll find another team; he really is a talented running back.)

WR - Robert Woods, Brandin Cooks, Cooper Kupp, Josh Reynolds, KhaDarel Hodge, Nsimba Webster.

(Natson is gone. All he can do is return, and he's muffed so many punts that you just can't trust him. Hodge has earned his special teams spot over Thomas, and Webster is a natural returner. He and/or Henderson should be able to hold down the fort.

Bachman deserves a spot on the practice squad, but the others, I'm not so sure about.)

TE - Gerald Everett, Tyler Higbee, Kendall Blanton.

(Call me crazy, but I think that Blanton is going to surprise in a good way in the next two games. He's been targeted a lot, and while he needs work, he obviously has potential as both a blocker and receiver, which Mundt does not.

I also changed my mind on dumping Higbee. You guys were right; the other rookie tight ends are nowhere near ready. If Higbee leaves via free agency, I would not be surprised if we double-dipped with tight end for next year's class.)

OL - Andrew Whitworth, Joseph Noteboom, Brian Allen, Austin Blythe, Rob Havenstein, David Edwards, Bobby Evans, Vitas Hrynkiewicz.

(I've changed my mind on Demby. I don't know if it's the cross-training or what, but he can't play against even third string players. Unfortunately, it looks like Neary will win the backup center job without much of a fight, but Hrynkiewicz is there for insurance in case Allen goes down while Neary's serving his suspension.

I'm hoping that we can scoop one or two offensive linemen off of waivers, as neither Edwards nor Evans are truly ready to play starting roles. Brewer and Hitner are intriguing players, but they aren't ready either, so I'm putting them on the practice squad, as well as Hrynkiewicz when Neary comes back.)

DL - Aaron Donald, Michael Brockers, Greg Gaines, John Franklin-Myers, Sebastian Joseph-Day, Morgan Fox.

(It was a close call between Fox and Marquise Copeland, but Fox won out, due to vet status. Gaines is definitely a starter at nose tackle over SJD. He puts pressure on people, but also does a hell of a job against the run.

Donald is going to break the sack record this year. I can feel it. Brockers should be much improved, while JFM and SJD provide much needed depth.)

LB - Dante Fowler, Cory Littleton, Dakota Allen, Clay Matthews, Samson Ebukam, Ogbonnia Okoronkwo, Natrez Patrick, Travin Howard, Landis Durham, Troy Reeder.

(I'm changing my mind on Lawler and Young. Lawler's currently injured, and Young has yet to display anything. Patrick, Durham, and Reeder, on the other hand, have. All undrafted free agents this year, they've more than exceeded my expectations, which - admittedly - weren't much. They definitely proved me wrong.

Okoronkwo is showing why so many of us were high on him. He has a plan when it comes to attacking the quarterback. Allen, in my honest opinion, should get the starting job at Mike linebacker over Hager. Hager is simply a great special teams player...but when you can get production for less money and more term, you take it...which is why I don't think he makes the roster.)

DB - Aqib Talib, Marcus Peters, Nickell Robey-Coleman, Eric Weddle, John Johnson III, Taylor Rapp, David Long, Kevin Peterson, Darious Williams, Steven Parker.

(I'll be honest: I haven't seen much of anything from Scott, not even on special teams. That, as well as the emergence of a few defensive backs in Peterson, Williams, and Parker, is why he's on the practice squad right now instead of the active roster.

Peterson should get the first crack at a starting spot if one of our cornerbacks goes down. Williams has more than exceeded my expectations; he's probably the best cover corner backup on our roster. Parker has been fantastic at safety. Long needs a little more seasoning, and we need to stop playing Rapp in the preseason; he's clearly ready.)

ST - Greg Zuerlein, Johnny Hekker, Jake McQuaide.

(No surprises.)