St. Louis Rams' Projected Roster/Wagoner

[RamBill]

Monday, August 4, 2014
St. Louis Rams' projected roster
By Nick Wagoner

http://espn.go.com/blog/st-louis-rams/post/_/id/9992/st-louis-rams-projected-roster-2

Examining the St. Louis Rams' roster:

(Note: WR Stedman Bailey is expected to make the team but is suspended for the first four games of the season and will not count on the initial 53-man roster)

QUARTERBACKS (3)

Sam Bradford
Shaun Hill
Garrett Gilbert

Bradford and Hill are locks. Gilbert is already taking reps with the second team. It doesn't appear he'll have much competition from Austin Davis for a potential third spot. The only question is whether the Rams keep three.

RUNNING BACKS (4)

Zac Stacy
Benny Cunningham
Tre Mason
Isaiah Pead


The Rams went heavy on running backs last year, keeping five, but with Pead handling more special teams duties, it could make Chase Reynolds expendable and allow them to keep an extra body elsewhere.

RECEIVERS (5)

Chris Givens
Tavon Austin
Kenny Britt
Brian Quick
Austin Pettis


With Bailey suspended the first four weeks, the Rams could take a longer look at another wideout for the first quarter of the season, but Bailey plus the five listed here seem to be in pretty good shape. It will be more interesting to see how this group shakes out in terms of playing time.

TIGHT ENDS (4)

Jared Cook
Lance Kendricks
Cory Harkey
Justice Cunningham


The first three are probably pretty safe, but the Rams could have an intriguing competition for a potential fourth tight end if they opt to keep one. Cunningham intrigues them, but undrafted rookie Alex Bayer continues to show promise. I'm not ready to elevate him past Cunningham but it's going to be close if they keep four.

OFFENSIVE LINEMEN (9)

Jake Long
Joe Barksdale
Scott Wells
Greg Robinson
Rodger Saffold
Davin Joseph
Barrett Jones
Tim Barnes
Mike Person


The Rams could easily go heavy here and keep another lineman or even two as they did in 2013. The first seven listed here should be in good shape, but beyond that, the competition is wide open. Players like Sean Hooey, Brandon Washington, Mitchell Van Dyk and Demetrius Rhaney could be heard from before preseason is finished.

DEFENSIVE LINEMEN (9)

Chris Long
Robert Quinn
William Hayes
Eugene Sims
Michael Brockers
Kendall Langford
Aaron Donald
Alex Carrington
Michael Sam


The first eight listed are all but locks barring injury, but the Rams have kept a ninth defensive lineman each of the past two seasons. The battle for that spot should be fierce with Sam trying to fend off the likes of Sammy Brown, Matt Conrath and undrafted rookie Ethan Westbrooks. Sam's ability to emerge on special teams will likely determine his fate.

LINEBACKERS (6)

James Laurinaitis
Alec Ogletree
Jo-Lonn Dunbar
Ray-Ray Armstrong
Daren Bates
Phillip Steward


Don't be surprised if the final tally here looks different than the above. Beyond the first four listed, there could be plenty of room for change, including the potential for a veteran to provide depth. Bates is a strong special teams player and should stick, but Steward will face plenty of competition from an eager group of undrafted rookies.

CORNERBACKS (5)

Janoris Jenkins
Trumaine Johnson
Lamarcus Joyner
Brandon McGee
E.J. Gaines


Jenkins, Johnson and Joyner should be set, but there could be some good battles in camp for the spots behind that trio. McGee has a year under his belt and an inherent advantage that goes with it, but he will face competition from the likes of Gaines, Greg Reid and Marcus Roberson. It also wouldn't surprise if the Rams kept a sixth cornerback instead of a fifth safety.

SAFETIES (5)

T.J. McDonald
Rodney McLeod
Maurice Alexander
Cody Davis
Matt Daniels


There is plenty to sort out at this position with Alexander, Daniels and rookie Christian Bryant coming off injury. Bryant didn't participate in the spring, so he is difficult to project at this point. Davis should stick for his special-teams contribution, but there is little guaranteed here.

SPECIALISTS (3)

Johnny Hekker
Greg Zuerlein
Jake McQuaide


It would take a serious injury to disturb this strong trio.

 

[Alan]

With the exception of the Safety category which is so up in the air like he said, the only areas I might disagree with is keeping only 9 DL. Where the 10th would come from (TE or QB areas maybe) is a big question mark. Like I've said before, I don't see us being able to keep any DLs we don't keep on the 53.

Only keeping 9 OLs might be dicey too.

 

[CGI_Ram]

Is Eugene Sims really safe?

I don't like keeping only 5 CBs, particularly since none of those safeties can swing over.

 

[Alan]

CGI_Ram seeing danger:
Is Eugene Sims really safe?

I don't like keeping only 5 CBs, particularly since none of those safeties can swing over.

What you're saying about keeping only 5 CBs has tons of merit. But the only reason to keep 6 is if there is somebody of quality we could add to that list. Do you see someone we should keep that we couldn't safely keep on the PS? I wouldn't keep Woodard or Reid (with their performances so far). They would both probably be safe on the PS.

Good point about Sims and you could add Sam to that list too.

 

[BonifayRam]

I have a few of difference
*No way the soft handed smart & special ball catcher TE Bayer will prove out over Cunningham.
*Rams will carry 10 OL'ers with this Red Cross Unit history @ the cost with the Rams going with only four safeties releasing Matt Daniels.
*CB Joyner will be the 5th emergency safety with Reid & Bryant sticking on PS

 

[A320driver]

Iam not a big fan of Wagoner..too many prognostic views without much beef to back them up.
Realistically there isn't much to argue about here. However, I would be shocked to see them go with 9 O lineman. I believe it will be one less cb, or safety depending on special teams play, as well as RB.
Wouldn't be surprised to see the Rams look at a "reshuffle" to the Linebacking corp around last cuts weekend.

 

[Alan]

BonifayRam worried about O-line durability:
Rams will carry 10 OL'ers with this Red Cross Unit history @ the cost with the Rams going with only four safeties releasing Matt Daniels.
*CB Joyner will be the 5th emergency safety with Reid & Bryant sticking on PS

That's certainly a possibility but my question to you is who among our O-line players that are currently on the roster and not on his list wouldn't/couldn't be stashed on the PS?

 

[CoachO]

Is Eugene Sims really safe?

I don't like keeping only 5 CBs, particularly since none of those safeties can swing over.

Sims is indeed safe. He is too vital to the rotation IMO, to be the odd man out. The guy who may be the surprise to make it is Conrath. I can see that becoming an interesting battle between him and Carrington for the last DT spot.

As to your concern over the CB situation. I tend to agree in theory, with them being more comfortable keeping a 6th CB, and only 4 safeties. Regardless, I do believe they keep 10 DBs.

 

[A320driver]

That's certainly a possibility but my question to you is who among our O-line players that are currently on the roster and not on his list wouldn't/couldn't be stashed on the PS?

That's a great question! I think they are all eligible to be placed on the P squad. However it's going to come down to who/ which guy plays the best against other teams in pre-season.
With all 32 teams having access to the tapes they will all be looking for guys to add to rosters based on need/ injuries(hate that word). A practice squad guy can be snatched, but must be signed to that teams 53 for the remaining season from day one of the actual signing.
So it will come down to the position, and most importantly for us..who is that guy backing up ?
WTBS..It's a lot easier finding a back up guard/center ..It's really hard to find Tackles. That based on historical data.

 

[Alan]

A320driver thinking oranges and I'm thinking apples:
That's a great question! I think they are all eligible to be placed on the P squad. However it's going to come down to who/ which guy plays the best against other teams in pre-season.
With all 32 teams having access to the tapes they will all be looking for guys to add to rosters based on need/ injuries(hate that word). A practice squad guy can be snatched, but must be signed to that teams 53 for the remaining season from day one of the actual signing.
So it will come down to the position, and most importantly for us..who is that guy backing up ?
WTBS..It's a lot easier finding a back up guard/center ..It's really hard to find Tackles. That based on historical data.

Sorry I didn't make myself clear there driver. Let me rephrase that. Which O-line player isn't good enough to make our 53, is eligible for the PS, is good enough to be put on the PS but would likely not make it there because of interest by other teams?

Here are the possibilities:
Van Dyk OT
Hooey OT (might not be eligible due to too much experience)
Dill OT
Bond OG
Washington OG (might not be eligible due to too much experience)
Morrell OG

 

[Lesson]

Sorry I didn't make myself clear there driver. Let me rephrase that. Which O-line player isn't good enough to make our 53, is eligible for the PS, is good enough to be put on the PS but would likely not make it there because of interest by other teams?

Here are the possibilities:
Van Dyk OT
Hooey OT (might not be eligible due to too much experience)
Dill OT
Bond OG
Washington OG (might not be eligible due to too much experience)
Morrell OG

I'm pretty sure Hooey would be eligible for PS as he was on it last season and was not on the active 53 man roster at any point during the season. As for Washington, I'm unsure if he's PS eligible or not, as I think you a player has to be on the active roster for X amount of weeks to be ineligible for the PS, and I can't remember how many weeks he was on the 53 man roster last season.

Is Eugene Sims really safe?

I don't like keeping only 5 CBs, particularly since none of those safeties can swing over.

McLeod can play nickel back if needed, no?

 

[Alan]

Lesson with this:
I'm pretty sure Hooey would be eligible for PS as he was on it last season and was not on the active 53 man roster at any point during the season. As for Washington, I'm unsure if he's PS eligible or not, as I think you a player has to be on the active roster for X amount of weeks to be ineligible for the PS, and I can't remember how many weeks he was on the 53 man roster last season.

McLeod can play nickel back if needed, no?

I'm not sure about Hooey because I think that total years in the NFL comes into play at some point. I could look that up but I'm on my way to take a nap shortly. Maybe someone more knowledgeable will chime in.

That really didn't answer my question though. Which of those players (who you think has NFL talent potential) do you think we might be able to sneak on the PS without another team grabbing them? Read this:
http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/08/04/four-teams-made-waivers-claim-for-michael-bowie/
Four teams made waivers claim for Michael Bowie
Posted by Mike Florio on August 4, 2014, 10:30 AM EDT

Getty Images
If the Browns violated any unwritten rules by claiming Seahawks right tackle Michael Bowie on waivers as the team tried to slip him through to injured reserve, the Browns weren’t alone.

Per a league source, the Saints, Patriots, and Cowboys also made waivers claims for Bowie.

The Patriots are no surprise; they claimed Panthers sixth-round rookie running back Tyler Gaffney a week ago as Carolina tried to slide Gaffney, who suffered a knee injury, through to IR. New England will now carry Gaffney on the 90-man roster until the first cuts to 75, at which time he can be sent to injured reserve without exposing him to waivers.

Curtis Crabtree of KJR and the PFT weeknight graveyard shift points out that Bowie is expected to miss four-to-six months with a shoulder injury. Which means that the Browns most likely will put Bowie on injured reserve, eventually.

 

[tahoe]

yeah I think McLeod can be a nickel corner is needed so that and Joyner adds versatility to the secondary. Im also hoping that Bond makes the team for the oline.

 

[A320driver]

I'm not sure about Hooey because I think that total years in the NFL comes into play at some point. I could look that up but I'm on my way to take a nap shortly. Maybe someone more knowledgeable will chime in.

That really didn't answer my question though. Which of those players (who you think has NFL talent potential) do you think we might be able to sneak on the PS without another team grabbing them? Read this:
http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/08/04/four-teams-made-waivers-claim-for-michael-bowie/
Four teams made waivers claim for Michael Bowie
Posted by Mike Florio on August 4, 2014, 10:30 AM EDT

Getty Images
If the Browns violated any unwritten rules by claiming Seahawks right tackle Michael Bowie on waivers as the team tried to slip him through to injured reserve, the Browns weren’t alone.

Per a league source, the Saints, Patriots, and Cowboys also made waivers claims for Bowie.

The Patriots are no surprise; they claimed Panthers sixth-round rookie running back Tyler Gaffney a week ago as Carolina tried to slide Gaffney, who suffered a knee injury, through to IR. New England will now carry Gaffney on the 90-man roster until the first cuts to 75, at which time he can be sent to injured reserve without exposing him to waivers.

Curtis Crabtree of KJR and the PFT weeknight graveyard shift points out that Bowie is expected to miss four-to-six months with a shoulder injury. Which means that the Browns most likely will put Bowie on injured reserve, eventually.

I got you Alan..To answer both inquiries 1. They are all in fact PS eligible ..max 3 years with not playing in more than 3 games which means a player can be on the active roster and still be eligible if he didn't actually participate in more than 3 games in that running 3 years...I don't think it's just 3 games in one season, but 3 accumulative .

2. Just my opinion here, but I don't think anyone needing a Guard would pass on Washington, but there probably needs to be an opening somewhere on another teams roster..not sure if he would be a guy that could supplant another whose been in a teams system. Hooey on the other hand would be taken because he shows a lot of upside, has improved, and most of all is a pure OT which is a rare commodity in this league. Teams historically will grab An extra OT if they can find room...Everybody always seems to be looking for OT's by mid season.

 

[Alan]

A320driver answering the big one:
They are all in fact PS eligible ..max 3 years with not playing in more than 3 games which means a player can be on the active roster and still be eligible if he didn't actually participate in more than 3 games in that running 3 years...I don't think it's just 3 games in one season, but 3 accumulative .

2. Just my opinion here, but I don't think anyone needing a Guard would pass on Washington, but there probably needs to be an opening somewhere on another teams roster..not sure if he would be a guy that could supplant another whose been in a teams system. Hooey on the other hand would be taken because he shows a lot of upside, has improved, and most of all is a pure OT which is a rare commodity in this league. Teams historically will grab An extra OT if they can find room...Everybody always seems to be looking for OT's by mid season.

Thanks driver.

If you're right about who would be in danger of being scarfed up that would only leave Bond (CoachO seems to be high on his potential which is good enough for me) as someone I'd be interested in keeping on the PS who might actually make it there. As for teams needing an OG, by the time the season starts I think there will be plenty of teams who either started TC short in that area or who will be short by then. Including some teams in our own division.

 

[A320driver]

Thanks driver.

If you're right about who would be in danger of being scarfed up that would only leave Bond (CoachO seems to be high on his potential which is good enough for me) as someone I'd be interested in keeping on the PS who might actually make it there. As for teams needing an OG, by the time the season starts I think there will be plenty of teams who either started TC short in that area or who will be short by then. Including some teams in our own division.

Well it's JMO, but I think coach O knows his sh*$....Unlike many of us who only might get down there on occasion. He always seems to be there, and has eyes on. It's still way to early for me to make predictions on whose gonna stick vs. whose going to the p squad? ..But at the end of the day there's gonna be a plethora of mitigating circumstances involving players health issues i.e. Durability evaluation by Reggie, and like you alluded to who can they possibly hide? As well as special teams, and short yardage/ goaline packages.
We all will have a much better idea after a few pre season contests are played, and evaluated by the coaching staff...I can tell you one thing that is eating up every guy in camp, and that is they are all tired of beating up on the same dudes every day, and the monotonous grind of practicing against your own teams D or O.
WTBS I wouldn't be surprised to see this week as pretty "Vanilla" leading into the New Orleans game.

 

[Alan]

I agree with you about CoachO.

Not all the time mind you.

 

[Dick84]

I see them keeping one more OL... Bond or Washington... And one less safety.
Joyner would seem to fit the profile of an emergency safety if the get into that situation.
Why is it that I'm having a hard time seeing them keeping Barnes & B Jones?
Also... What if Rhaney shows really well? He seems to have more physical talent than either Barnes or B Jones.

 

[RamFan503]

That's a great question! I think they are all eligible to be placed on the P squad. However it's going to come down to who/ which guy plays the best against other teams in pre-season.
With all 32 teams having access to the tapes they will all be looking for guys to add to rosters based on need/ injuries(hate that word). A practice squad guy can be snatched, but must be signed to that teams 53 for the remaining season from day one of the actual signing.
So it will come down to the position, and most importantly for us..who is that guy backing up ?
WTBS..It's a lot easier finding a back up guard/center ..It's really hard to find Tackles. That based on historical data.

Just a minor point here - They actually only have to keep him on their 53 for 3 weeks.

I do wonder if we will bring in a Safety after cuts are made.