My Final 53

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den-the-coach

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It's one day before Independence Day as I sit here looking out at the lake it has A Hound of Baskerville look to it with all the rain, but I am enjoying my fine Columbian Beverage (Starbucks French Roast) and feel it's time to pontificate putting together my final 53, opening myself up for fun & games fired up after watching the video that @Florida_Ram shared with us, so in the words of Jackie Gleason....Away we go.

QB (2)
Matthew Stafford....He's ours for better or worse and hopefully he's much better, catapulting the Los Angeles Rams into the Kurt Warner stratosphere.

John Wolford....Everything you want in a backup, feisty, cerebral and the ability to take off and run, hopefully, he works on protecting himself better.

RB(4)
Cam Akers...Number One and will be on the field more, just needs to work on staying healthy in order to be the bell cow.

Darrell Henderson...Needs to stay healthy, if he can, IMO, he can lesson the load on Akers and give the Rams that jolt with his speed combined with his ability to catch the football.

Xavier Jones...Bigger back, that could be counted on for some of the tough yards, also I believe will be good in pass protection and I'm anxious to see him in preseason.

Jake Funk...The Maryland flash, that should be an asset on special teams too, plus being the kick returner adding some sizzle to the backfield.

WR(6)
Robert Woods....The consummate professional that was almost traded, but is worth the price because he does it all including blocking.

Cooper Kupp....Everybody's wonder boy, let's keep him healthy so Kupp can be as good in post season as he is during the regular season.

DeSean Jackson....Glad he's a Ram, he's fast and IMO, has one more great year left in him.

Van Jefferson....Time to pick it up on gameday, he can be special and this could be the year Jefferson breaks through.

Tutu Atwell....I believe will be the punt returner too, plus gives the Rams the added speed to ensure they don't suffer from vertical congestion.

Ben Skowronek....Big Ben, Parliament gives the Rams a big target in the Red Zone plus offers new special team coach Joe DeCamillis a stalwart on special teams, which propels him over Trishton Jackson.

TE(4)
Tyler Higbee....Number one in the clubhouse, has improved each year and with Stafford could be his best year yet.

Johnny Mundt....Blocks well, plays well on special teams and has provided some quality minutes.

Brycen Hopkins.....Has not shown much, but it only takes one big play in preseason to turn heads.

Jacob Harris....He's been a darling, let's see what he has when the bullets start flying, however, special teams could be where we see him most.

OL (9)
Andrew Whitworth....Like a Fine Wine, only getting better with age.

David Edwards....Better in pass pro, then run blocking, however, he should be ready to put it all together.

Austin Corbett....Moves to center, giving the Rams more size and hopefully stability at the point of attack.

Bobby Evans....Proved he can run block, improving in pass protection is a must, but together with Havenstein, running right will be a staple.

Rob Havenstein....He's the first one off of everybody's list, but when healthy is able to hold up in pass protection,, plus a total asset in the run game.

Chandler Brewer....Swing tackle & guard, Rams glad to have him back.

Joseph Noteboom....Joe just needs to stay healthy and be ready at a moments notice.

Tremayne Anchrum....Another that can play multiple positions.

Coleman Shelton....Bigger and more versatile then Brian Allen, but will have to prove he can play Center in preseason to beat out the former Spartan.

25 (Offense)

DL(7)
Aaron Donald....He's simply the very best.

Sebastian Joseph-Day....He gets better & better every year.

A'Shawn Robinson....As we all sing in unison, Here's to you Mrs. Robinson.

Bobby Brown....Love everything about Big, Bad, Bobby Brown, he will be better being coached up by DL Coach Eric Henderson.

Ernest Brown,...The other Brown, but be ready to love this kid because they do it right at Northwestern.

Greg Gaines....Started coming on last year and I expect even better in 2021.

Eric Banks....Coached by Henderson in college, made the squad last year, this year, he stays on the whole year.

LB (8)
Leonard Floyd....A great year in 2020, looking forward to him being the leader of this group.

Travin Howard....The time is now, former Safety, like Littleton, needs to stay healthy and prove his worth.

Ernest Jones....Rookie breaks through as a starter because all he does is make tackles.

Justin Hollins...Better outside then inside and Rams are fortunate Broncos cut him loose.

Troy Reeder....Has improved each year and very good on special teams.

Obo Okoronkwo....Should be a good rotation with Hollins.

Micah Kiser....Had some moments last year, now still makes the squad, but Jones starts over the former Cavalier.

Justin Lawler....My surprise as Terrell Lewis begins the season on the PUP list & Chris Garrett needs one year on the practice squad.

CB (5)
Jalen Ramsey....Can't spell Ramsey, without Rams.

Darious Williams....Might be the best pure cover corner on the roster.

David Long....Some good news about him in OTA's, need the former Wolverine to make an impact in 2021.

Robert Rochell....He was steal and should improve week over week.

Brian Poole....I'm predicting with the release of Hekker the Rams add the former Falcon/Jet at CB.

Safety(5)
Jordan Fuller...Academic All American will call the signals on Defense

Terrell Burgess....Free Safety good in coverage.

Taylor Rapp....Will come in on 3rd downs, playing the linebacker role, plus blitzing quite often.

Nick Scott....Great on special teams and has shown growth at the position.

Juju Hughes...Hughes can cover, the others can't.

Defense (25)

Special Teams(3)
Matt Gay
....Glad he was available, gives the Rams a young kicker with a big leg on FG's & Kickoffs.

Corey Bojorquez....Maybe, maybe not, but he's younger with a big leg & saves money, which enables the Rams to add Poole.

Steve Wirtel...They added Matt Orzech, who did snap for DeCamillis in Jacksonville, but DeCamillis did cut him. IMO, reading up on Wirtel, he's too good at his craft and I believe will follow in the footsteps of the likes of Chris Massey & Jake McQuaide.

As to Punt Returner, they go with Atwell, with Funk as a backup plan with Jake handling the KR duties too, plus either Wolford or Bojorquez will take over as the holder.
 
Last edited:

Rams4life

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Can't argue over any of that, but some will take offense to hekker being gone. The only one I think may be different is Calias ahead of Jones because of his speed. Great job
 

Merlin

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Nice job Den. Lot to process there but a couple minor areas of disagreement...

1. I expect the DL to stay at 6. If Banks makes the roster it means Gaines is likely gone (I'd rather have Gaines for the record).

2. I expect Garrett to be the final LB. He's got some tools and that's going to matter. They won't cut him because of a guy like Lawler.

The idea of going with a cheaper Punter is a real possibility here. And if that does happen I also like the idea of bringing in Poole. He's the FA out there who would help us most IMO. Appreciate the time putting all that together. (y)
 

dang

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Nice roster. Use the $$$ saved by cutting Young for Poole. Keep Hekker (need some leadership and he deserves one down year). Then Lock and Load. And keep KJ Wright/Melvin Ingram on speed dial if LB corp looks weak during training camp.
 

den-the-coach

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  • #5
I expect Garrett to be the final LB. He's got some tools and that's going to matter. They won't cut him because of a guy like Lawler.

Struggled with that, but keep an eye on Lawler, he can rush the passer and holds up well against the run, add in special teams and Garrett is going to have to showcase some abilities against better competition to win the job.
 

Florida_Ram

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It's one day before Independence Day as I sit here looking out at the lake it has A Hound of Baskerville look to it with all the rain, but I am enjoying my fine Columbian Beverage (Starbucks French Roast) and feel it's time to pontificate putting together my final 53, opening myself up for fun & games fired up after watching the video that @Florida_Ram shared with us, so in the words of Jackie Gleason....Away we go.

QB (2)
Matthew Stafford....He's ours for better or worse and hopefully he's much better, catapulting the Los Angeles Rams into the Kurt Warner stratosphere.

John Wolford....Everything you want in a backup, feisty, cerebral and the ability to take off and run, hopefully, he works on protecting himself better.

RB(4)
Cam Akers...Number One and will be on the field more, just needs to work on staying healthy in order to be the bell cow.

Darrell Henderson...Needs to stay healthy, if he can, IMO, he can lesson the load on Akers and give the Rams that jolt with his speed combined with his ability to catch the football.

Xavier Jones...Bigger back, that could be counted on for some of the tough yards, also I believe will be good in pass protection and I'm anxious to see him in preseason.

Jake Funk...The Maryland flash, that should be an asset on special teams too, plus being the kick returner adding some sizzle to the backfield.

WR(6)
Robert Woods....The consummate professional that was almost traded, but is worth the price because he does it all including blocking.

Cooper Kupp....Everybody's wonder boy, let's keep him healthy so Kupp can be as good in post season as he is during the regular season.

DeSean Jackson....Glad he's a Ram, he's fast and IMO, has one more great year left in him.

Van Jefferson....Time to pick it up on gameday, he can be special and this could be the year Jefferson breaks through.

Tutu Atwell....I believe will be the punt returner too, plus gives the Rams the added speed to ensure they don't suffer from vertical congestion.

Ben Skowronek....Big Ben, Parliament gives the Rams a big target in the Red Zone plus offers new special team coach Joe DeCamillis a stalwart on special teams, which propels him over Trishton Jackson.

TE(4)
Tyler Higbee....Number one in the clubhouse, has improved each year and with Stafford could be his best year yet.

Johnny Mundt....Blocks well, plays well on special teams and has provided some quality minutes.

Brycen Hopkins.....Has not shown much, but it only takes one big play in preseason to turn heads.

Jacob Harris....He's been a darling, let's see what he has when the bullets start flying, however, special teams could be where we see him most.

OL (9)
Andrew Whitworth....Like a Fine Wine, only getting better with age.

David Edwards....Better in pass pro, then run blocking, however, he should be ready to put it all together.

Austin Corbett....Moves to center, giving the Rams more size and hopefully stability at the point of attack.

Bobby Evans....Proved he can run block, improving in pass protection is a must, but together with Havenstein, running right will be a staple.

Rob Havenstein....He's the first one off of everybody's list, but when healthy is able to hold up in pass protection,, plus a total asset in the run game.

Chandler Brewer....Swing tackle & guard, Rams glad to have him back.

Joseph Noteboom....Joe just needs to stay healthy and be ready at a moments notice.

Tremayne Anchrum....Another that can play multiple positions.

Coleman Shelton....Bigger and more versatile then Brian Allen, but will have to prove he can play Center in preseason to beat out the former Spartan.

25 (Offense)

DL(7)
Aaron Donald....He's simply the very best.

Sebastian Joseph-Day....He gets better & better every year.

A'Shawn Robinson....As we all sing in unison, Here's to you Mrs. Robinson.

Bobby Brown....Love everything about Big, Bad, Bobby Brown, he will be better being coached up by DL Coach Eric Henderson.

Ernest Brown,...The other Brown, but be ready to love this kid because they do it right at Northwestern.

Greg Gaines....Started coming on last year and I expect even better in 2021.

Eric Banks....Coached by Henderson in college, made the squad last year, this year, he stays on the whole year.

LB (8)
Leonard Floyd....A great year in 2020, looking forward to him being the leader of this group.

Travin Howard....The time is now, former Safety, like Littleton, needs to stay healthy and prove his worth.

Ernest Jones....Rookie breaks through as a starter because all he does is make tackles.

Justin Hollins...Better outside then inside and Rams are fortunate Broncos cut him loose.

Troy Reeder....Has improved each year and very good on special teams.

Obo Okoronkwo....Should be a good rotation with Hollins.

Micah Kiser....Had some moments last year, now still makes the squad, but Jones starts over the former Cavalier.

Justin Lawler....My surprise as Terrell Lewis begins the season on the PUP list & Chris Garrett needs one year on the practice squad.

CB (5)
Jalen Ramsey....Can't spell Ramsey, without Rams.

Darious Williams....Might be the best pure cover corner on the roster.

David Long....Some good news about him in OTA's, need the former Wolverine to make an impact in 2021.

Robert Rochell....He was steal and should improve week over week.

Brian Poole....I'm predicting with the release of Hekker the Rams add the former Falcon/Jet at CB.

Safety(5)
Jordan Fuller...Academic All American will call the signals on Defense

Terrell Burgess....Free Safety good in coverage.

Taylor Rapp....Will come in on 3rd downs, playing the linebacker role, plus blitzing quite often.

Nick Scott....Great on special teams and has shown growth at the position.

Juju Hughes...Hughes can cover, the others can't.

Defense (25)

Special Teams(3)
Matt Gay
....Glad he was available, gives the Rams a young kicker with a big leg on FG's & Kickoffs.

Corey Bojorquez....Maybe, maybe not, but he's younger with a big leg & saves money, which enables the Rams to add Poole.

Steve Wirtel...They added Matt Orzech, who did snap for DeCamillis in Jacksonville, but DeCamillis did cut him. IMO, reading up on Wirtel, he's too good at his craft and I believe will follow in the footsteps of the likes of Chris Massey & Jake McQuaide.

As to Punt Returner, they go with Atwell, with Funk as a backup plan with Jake handling the KR duties too, plus either Wolford or Bojorquez will take over as the holder.
animated_arrow_up.gif


I'm okay with this early pre-training camp prediction @den-the-coach.

Only 24 Days left until our Rams report to training camp.
 

thirteen28

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Except for the punter, I like it. But whether it's Johnny Hekker or the challenger, let the best man win.

Really like the WR and TE groups. Man, we are L-O-D-I-D loaded at those spots.
 

oldnotdead

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Offense

QB: Stafford, Wolford

RB: Akers, Henderson, Funk, Anderson

WR: Woods, Kupp, Jefferson, Jackson, Atwell, Showronek

TE: Higbee, Hopkins, Harris

LT: Whitworth
LG: Corbett
C: Shelton
RG: Evans
RT: Noteboom
Swing OT: Edwards
C/OG: Allen, Anchrum
Swing OG/OT: Brewer, A. Jackson

Defense

DE: Hollins, Lewis
NT: Robinson, Gaines, B. Brown
DT: Donald, Hoecht, E. Brown
JACK: Floyd, J. Williams, Garrett
MIKE: Reeder, Jones
MO: Young, Howard, Moncrief

RCB: Ramsey, Long
LCB: Williams, Rochell
CB: Hughes
Safety: Fuller, Rapp, Burgess, Scott, Gervase

Special Teams

P: Bojorquez
K: Gay
KR: Funk, Anderson
PR: Scott, Gervase, Atwell

Scott and Gervase have the speed and quickness you want in a punt returner so I think one of them might get the bulk of the work while Atwell is put back there for special circumstances.

I don't think Havenstein makes the cut. They have too many options and his contract simply isn't justified by his play. He's probably going to be released next year anyway because of all their FAs they will want to extend. Mundt failed as a lead blocker last year so it makes no sense to use a roster spot for strictly an inline blocking TE. If they release Havenstein half the need for a blocking TE disappears. Rob's run blocking has deteriorated over the past two years as well.

Burgess gives them a 6th CB if the need should arise. Hughes can play both CB and safety as well.
 
Last edited:

dang

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Messages
7,002
Offense

QB: Stafford, Wolford

RB: Akers, Henderson, Funk, Jones

WR: Woods, Kupp, Jefferson, Jackson, Atwell, Showronek

TE: Higbee, Hopkins, Harris

LT: Whitworth
LG: Corbett
C: Shelton
RG: Evans
RT: Noteboom
Swing OT: Edwards
C/OG: Allen, Anchrum
Swing OG/OT: Brewer, A. Jackson

Defense

DE: Hollins, Lewis
NT: Robinson, Gaines, B. Brown
DT: Donald, Hoecht, E. Brown
JACK: Floyd, J. Williams, Garrett
MIKE: Reeder, Jones
MO: Young, Howard, Moncrief

RCB: Ramsey, Long
LCB: Williams, Rochell
CB: Hughes
Safety: Fuller, Rapp, Burgess, Scott, Gervase

Special Teams

P: Bojorquez
K: Gay
KR: Funk, X. Jones
PR: Scott, Gervase, Atwell

Scott and Gervase have the speed and quickness you want in a punt returner so I think one of them might get the bulk of the work while Atwell is put back there for special circumstances.

I don't think Havenstein makes the cut. They have too many options and his contract simply isn't justified by his play. He's probably going to be released next year anyway because of all their FAs they will want to extend. Mundt failed as a lead blocker last year so it makes no sense to use a roster spot for strictly an inline blocking TE. If they release Havenstein half the need for a blocking TE disappears. Rob's run blocking has deteriorated over the past two years as well.

Burgess gives them a 6th CB if the need should arise. Hughes can play both CB and safety as well.
Other than cutting? Havenstein and Kiser this is good roster. But who is the LS - Moncrief or Gervase?
 

oldnotdead

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Xavier Jones...Bigger back, that could be counted on for some of the tough yards, also I believe will be good in pass protection and I'm anxious to see him in preseason.

Funk is only about an inch shorter and about the same weight. Jake is much faster since Xavier is actually the slowest of the RBs and Funk is the fastest. Akers is the same height as Funk and the heaviest of the 3. Akers would be their short-yardage back without question.

I think Funk's drafting makes Jones expendable. If they need the roster spot he might not make the team. If Otis Anderson's 40 times hold up (there is some question about it) then he's as fast as Funk (4.3) and bigger. I trust that his times will hold up since the Rams use game analytics to verify testing. He also would look to be a return specialist. Anderson is an UDFA and if he shows he can return KO and Punts the Rams will have their return specialist with lightning speed.
 

oldnotdead

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Dang, Montcrief is a MO ILB with the speed to cover. IMO Kiser's days were numbered when they drafted Jones. Kiser's problem is like Lewis he can't stay healthy. Reeder is the clear starter at MIKE and he played well as a first year starter last season. Jones is a return to having an early down tumper at MIKE to try to put the offense behind the chains.

Havenstein has given up 9 sacks and who knows how many pressures last 2 years. Why put Stafford at risk for a RT that requires a TE chip on passing downs? Releasing Havenstein frees up $5M in cap. The Rams are currently over the cap by more than $3M.
 

Elmgrovegnome

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Offense

QB: Stafford, Wolford

RB: Akers, Henderson, Funk, Anderson

WR: Woods, Kupp, Jefferson, Jackson, Atwell, Showronek

TE: Higbee, Hopkins, Harris

LT: Whitworth
LG: Corbett
C: Shelton
RG: Evans
RT: Noteboom
Swing OT: Edwards
C/OG: Allen, Anchrum
Swing OG/OT: Brewer, A. Jackson

Defense

DE: Hollins, Lewis
NT: Robinson, Gaines, B. Brown
DT: Donald, Hoecht, E. Brown
JACK: Floyd, J. Williams, Garrett
MIKE: Reeder, Jones
MO: Young, Howard, Moncrief

RCB: Ramsey, Long
LCB: Williams, Rochell
CB: Hughes
Safety: Fuller, Rapp, Burgess, Scott, Gervase

Special Teams

P: Bojorquez
K: Gay
KR: Funk, Anderson
PR: Scott, Gervase, Atwell

Scott and Gervase have the speed and quickness you want in a punt returner so I think one of them might get the bulk of the work while Atwell is put back there for special circumstances.

I don't think Havenstein makes the cut. They have too many options and his contract simply isn't justified by his play. He's probably going to be released next year anyway because of all their FAs they will want to extend. Mundt failed as a lead blocker last year so it makes no sense to use a roster spot for strictly an inline blocking TE. If they release Havenstein half the need for a blocking TE disappears. Rob's run blocking has deteriorated over the past two years as well.

Burgess gives them a 6th CB if the need should arise. Hughes can play both CB and safety as well.
So, on a supposed Super Bowl run type of season, with Vegas favoring them as a top two, you think that they will release or trade two veteran players in Day and Havenstein? They had several calls about Rob this past winter. If they were moving on from him, then don't you think they do it before a draft that had a lot of tackles in it? The Rams screwed the pouch if that's the case. I see you list Shelton as the center too. You don't think Corbett can handle the duties? You don't even mention Seabass. You seem to be the only person on here that doesn't like his play.
 

Elmgrovegnome

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Messages
22,094
It's one day before Independence Day as I sit here looking out at the lake it has A Hound of Baskerville look to it with all the rain, but I am enjoying my fine Columbian Beverage (Starbucks French Roast) and feel it's time to pontificate putting together my final 53, opening myself up for fun & games fired up after watching the video that @Florida_Ram shared with us, so in the words of Jackie Gleason....Away we go.

QB (2)
Matthew Stafford....He's ours for better or worse and hopefully he's much better, catapulting the Los Angeles Rams into the Kurt Warner stratosphere.

John Wolford....Everything you want in a backup, feisty, cerebral and the ability to take off and run, hopefully, he works on protecting himself better.

RB(4)
Cam Akers...Number One and will be on the field more, just needs to work on staying healthy in order to be the bell cow.

Darrell Henderson...Needs to stay healthy, if he can, IMO, he can lesson the load on Akers and give the Rams that jolt with his speed combined with his ability to catch the football.

Xavier Jones...Bigger back, that could be counted on for some of the tough yards, also I believe will be good in pass protection and I'm anxious to see him in preseason.

Jake Funk...The Maryland flash, that should be an asset on special teams too, plus being the kick returner adding some sizzle to the backfield.

WR(6)
Robert Woods....The consummate professional that was almost traded, but is worth the price because he does it all including blocking.

Cooper Kupp....Everybody's wonder boy, let's keep him healthy so Kupp can be as good in post season as he is during the regular season.

DeSean Jackson....Glad he's a Ram, he's fast and IMO, has one more great year left in him.

Van Jefferson....Time to pick it up on gameday, he can be special and this could be the year Jefferson breaks through.

Tutu Atwell....I believe will be the punt returner too, plus gives the Rams the added speed to ensure they don't suffer from vertical congestion.

Ben Skowronek....Big Ben, Parliament gives the Rams a big target in the Red Zone plus offers new special team coach Joe DeCamillis a stalwart on special teams, which propels him over Trishton Jackson.

TE(4)
Tyler Higbee....Number one in the clubhouse, has improved each year and with Stafford could be his best year yet.

Johnny Mundt....Blocks well, plays well on special teams and has provided some quality minutes.

Brycen Hopkins.....Has not shown much, but it only takes one big play in preseason to turn heads.

Jacob Harris....He's been a darling, let's see what he has when the bullets start flying, however, special teams could be where we see him most.

OL (9)
Andrew Whitworth....Like a Fine Wine, only getting better with age.

David Edwards....Better in pass pro, then run blocking, however, he should be ready to put it all together.

Austin Corbett....Moves to center, giving the Rams more size and hopefully stability at the point of attack.

Bobby Evans....Proved he can run block, improving in pass protection is a must, but together with Havenstein, running right will be a staple.

Rob Havenstein....He's the first one off of everybody's list, but when healthy is able to hold up in pass protection,, plus a total asset in the run game.

Chandler Brewer....Swing tackle & guard, Rams glad to have him back.

Joseph Noteboom....Joe just needs to stay healthy and be ready at a moments notice.

Tremayne Anchrum....Another that can play multiple positions.

Coleman Shelton....Bigger and more versatile then Brian Allen, but will have to prove he can play Center in preseason to beat out the former Spartan.

25 (Offense)

DL(7)
Aaron Donald....He's simply the very best.

Sebastian Joseph-Day....He gets better & better every year.

A'Shawn Robinson....As we all sing in unison, Here's to you Mrs. Robinson.

Bobby Brown....Love everything about Big, Bad, Bobby Brown, he will be better being coached up by DL Coach Eric Henderson.

Ernest Brown,...The other Brown, but be ready to love this kid because they do it right at Northwestern.

Greg Gaines....Started coming on last year and I expect even better in 2021.

Eric Banks....Coached by Henderson in college, made the squad last year, this year, he stays on the whole year.

LB (8)
Leonard Floyd....A great year in 2020, looking forward to him being the leader of this group.

Travin Howard....The time is now, former Safety, like Littleton, needs to stay healthy and prove his worth.

Ernest Jones....Rookie breaks through as a starter because all he does is make tackles.

Justin Hollins...Better outside then inside and Rams are fortunate Broncos cut him loose.

Troy Reeder....Has improved each year and very good on special teams.

Obo Okoronkwo....Should be a good rotation with Hollins.

Micah Kiser....Had some moments last year, now still makes the squad, but Jones starts over the former Cavalier.

Justin Lawler....My surprise as Terrell Lewis begins the season on the PUP list & Chris Garrett needs one year on the practice squad.

CB (5)
Jalen Ramsey....Can't spell Ramsey, without Rams.

Darious Williams....Might be the best pure cover corner on the roster.

David Long....Some good news about him in OTA's, need the former Wolverine to make an impact in 2021.

Robert Rochell....He was steal and should improve week over week.

Brian Poole....I'm predicting with the release of Hekker the Rams add the former Falcon/Jet at CB.

Safety(5)
Jordan Fuller...Academic All American will call the signals on Defense

Terrell Burgess....Free Safety good in coverage.

Taylor Rapp....Will come in on 3rd downs, playing the linebacker role, plus blitzing quite often.

Nick Scott....Great on special teams and has shown growth at the position.

Juju Hughes...Hughes can cover, the others can't.

Defense (25)

Special Teams(3)
Matt Gay
....Glad he was available, gives the Rams a young kicker with a big leg on FG's & Kickoffs.

Corey Bojorquez....Maybe, maybe not, but he's younger with a big leg & saves money, which enables the Rams to add Poole.

Steve Wirtel...They added Matt Orzech, who did snap for DeCamillis in Jacksonville, but DeCamillis did cut him. IMO, reading up on Wirtel, he's too good at his craft and I believe will follow in the footsteps of the likes of Chris Massey & Jake McQuaide.

As to Punt Returner, they go with Atwell, with Funk as a backup plan with Jake handling the KR duties too, plus either Wolford or Bojorquez will take over as the holder.
Looks reasonable. In the end I think Hekker steps up and keeps his job. If Bojorquez can unseat the best punter over the last 8 years, then why was he available? I get that there are a lot of goid young punters in the league, but Hekker will battle. When he's on he will be tough to beat.

I'm not banking on any of the seventh rounders making the final roster. I think Skowronek and Funk get cut. The Rams try to stash Garrett on the PS. These picks were long shots, like most seventh rounders every year.

Xavier Jones is 5'-11" and 208 lbs. Is he really considered a bigger back by league standards?
 

fearsomefour

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Messages
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I don’t think Hekker goes but he was not good a decent chunk of the year last year.
The bottom of the CB/S could be debated or the bottom of the OL depth but I agree with the OP almost in total.
 

den-the-coach

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  • #18
I think Funk's drafting makes Jones expendable. If they need the roster spot he might not make the team. If Otis Anderson's 40 times hold up (there is some question about it) then he's as fast as Funk (4.3) and bigger. I trust that his times will hold up since the Rams use game analytics to verify testing. He also would look to be a return specialist. Anderson is an UDFA and if he shows he can return KO and Punts the Rams will have their return specialist with lightning speed.

You could be right especially on Anderson, IMO, Jones runs harder and is more north/south so I believe regardless of size, he relies more on power, but if Anderson can showcase the ability to return punts & kickoffs, he could be the 4th RB, plus active on game day.
 

den-the-coach

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  • #19
Xavier Jones is 5'-11" and 208 lbs. Is he really considered a bigger back by league standards?

IMO, Jones plays bigger, he has excellent vision, balance and toughness. Lacks elite top speed. Very Reliable in pass game as he catches the ball well and is very good in pass protection, that is where the Rams trusted Malcolm Brown, picking up blitzes.
 

den-the-coach

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  • #20
I don't think Havenstein makes the cut. They have too many options and his contract simply isn't justified by his play. He's probably going to be released next year anyway because of all their FAs they will want to extend. Mundt failed as a lead blocker last year so it makes no sense to use a roster spot for strictly an inline blocking TE. If they release Havenstein half the need for a blocking TE disappears. Rob's run blocking has deteriorated over the past two years as well.

Burgess gives them a 6th CB if the need should arise. Hughes can play both CB and safety as well.

I will be shocked if they don't keep Havenstein. IMO, you are underestimating him, Big Rob grades out as on of the best blocking right tackles and if healthy, finds a way to hold up in pass protection.

I feel differently about Mundt, felt he blocked well and made some plays too. Now, if you felt Kendall Blanton had a shot of beating out Mundt, I could understand that because of size, but IMHO, the Rams will carry 4 TE's.

Not sure on Nick Scott returning punts, he hasn't yet, so why now? As to Jake Gervase, I like Juju Hughes better because Juju can cover, jake Gervase not so much.