Any Opening Day Roster Guesses?

[Memphis Ram]

There's is usually a post like this by now. Here goes. My opening day roster guesses (Will be 55 players listed including the supended Dunbar and Pead):

OFFENSE

QBs (2) Sam Bradford, Austin Davis

Kellen Clemons will probably fail to make the final cut only to be picked up after week one again in order to avoid a salary guarantee. And unless Davis shines in these next two games he might go onto the practice squad after week one with Hekker serving as #3 on game day.

RB (4*) Darryl Richardson, Zac Stacy, Benny Cunningham, Terrance Ganaway, Isaiah Pead*

Methinks Pead's one game suspension keeps all five of these backs safe for week one. After that, either Cunningham or Ganaway are headed to the practice squad unless Pead is dealt. The team has lightning, but I'd love to see a veteran "thunder" back picked up via trade or waivers.

TEs (4) Jared Cook, Lance Kendricks, Corey Harkey, Mike McNeil

Rams attempt to stash Lutzenkirchen on to the practice squad. My hope/dream is that somehow the Rams are able to obtain the bigger/faster former Missouri State product Clay Harbor from the Eagles (waivers/trade) to take McNeil's spot. That way the difference isn't as noticable on offense if Cook misses any time.

WR (6) Chris Givens, Brian Quick, Tavon Austin, Austin Pettis, Stedman Bailey, Andrew Helmick.

IMO, all Helmick has to do is stay healthy and provide one nice kick return to solidify this spot. Hopefully, he gets the chance. Pettis starts the season as a starter until Quick is ready to take over.

OL (9) Jake Long, Rodger Saffold, Joe Barksdale, Scott Wells, Harvey Dahl, Chris Williams, Shelly Smith, Tim Barnes, Barrett Jones.

Barrett Jones gets a redshirt year on the roster as he adds strength in preparation for taking over for Wells in 2014. Given the recent injury history of Saffold and Long, I'm sure they have Wayne Hunter's number on speed dial.

DEFENSE

DL (9) Chris Long, Robert Quinn, William Hayes, Michael Brockers, Kendall Langford, Matt Conrath, Eugene Sims, Jermelle Cudjo, Gerald Rivers

If Cudjo is deemed ready to go by the final pre-season game he's probably the teams 3rd best DT, IMO. Here Rivers makes the squad initially only to be moved to the practice squad once the vast majority of the roster moves around the league have been made.

LBs (7*) James Laurinaitis, Alec Ogletree, Will Witherspoon, Ray Ray Armstrong, Josh Hull, Daren Bates, OPEN Jo-Lonn Dunbar*

While I don't have any ideas right off, I can't help but to think that a veteran LB or a possible red-shirt waiver wire pickup (ala Ganaway) will be had here. At least until Dunbar is added back to the roster.

DBs (9) Corland Finnegan, Janoris Jenkins, Brandon McGee, Trumaine Johnson, Quinton Pointer, T.J. McDonald, Rodney McLeod, Cody Davis, Matthew Daniels.

Can't make the club from the tub so Giordano might be a goner. Along these lines I'm wondering if the Rams will gamble with youth making Darian Stewart the Quin Ojinnaka (starter throughout preseason only to be released) of this roster cutdown period.

SPECIALIST (3)
K Greg Zuerlein
P Johnny Hekker
LS Jake McQuaide

PRACTICE SQUAD (8)
CB Robert Steeples, TE Philip Lutzenkirchen, WR Justin Veltung, WR Nick Johnson, OT DJ Young, LB Johnathan Stewart, S Rashard Hall, OPEN DLineman

 

[F. Mulder]

Agree with most of it. I can see a few guys who maybe replace existing current Rams from other teams' last cuts (LBer?) but I agree.

I do do wonder if Stewart might be looking over his shoulder lately. I also wonder if Tru Johnson gets knocked down to dime back but that's for another discussion.

 

[iced]

RB (4*) Darryl Richardson, Zac Stacy, Benny Cunningham, Terrance Ganaway, Isaiah Pead*

Methinks Pead's one game suspension keeps all five of these backs safe for week one. After that, either Cunningham or Ganaway are headed to the practice squad unless Pead is dealt. The team has lightning, but I'd love to see a veteran "thunder" back picked up via trade or waivers.

this is the only thing I disagree with.

This is I how think it shakes out:

RB (4*) Darryl Richardson, Isaiah Pead, Zac Stacy, Benny Cunningham

Pead is still by far the best pass blocker at the RB spot - both Given's long bombs had Pead picking up the backing blitzer perfectly. Ganaway I think heads to the practice squad. Been in the tub a lot, while Cunningham has been on the field.

Cunningham didn't show me much last night - His numbers were saved by a 17 yard draw play on 3rd & 18. Although the 2nd string o-line was just terrible.

 

[Memphis Ram]

RB (4*) Darryl Richardson, Zac Stacy, Benny Cunningham, Terrance Ganaway, Isaiah Pead*

Methinks Pead's one game suspension keeps all five of these backs safe for week one. After that, either Cunningham or Ganaway are headed to the practice squad unless Pead is dealt. The team has lightning, but I'd love to see a veteran "thunder" back picked up via trade or waivers.

this is the only thing I disagree with.

This is I how think it shakes out:

RB (4*) Darryl Richardson, Isaiah Pead, Zac Stacy, Benny Cunningham

Pead is still by far the best pass blocker at the RB spot - both Given's long bombs had Pead picking up the backing blitzer perfectly. Ganaway I think heads to the practice squad. Been in the tub a lot, while Cunningham has been on the field.

Cunningham didn't show me much last night - His numbers were saved by a 17 yard draw play on 3rd & 18. Although the 2nd string o-line was just terrible.

Pead will be suspended during week one and his roster spot won't count.

 

[CoachO]

I actually agree with just about everything.

The only change I could envision, while Dunbar sits out his suspension, and based on what they have done thus far on Special Teams, that Jonathan Stewart replaces Rivers on the initial 53, with Rivers taking his spot on the Practice squad.

With the versatility of both Sims and Hayes, and their ability to take snaps inside in the "sub" packages, I think they get away with 8 DL to start.

Keeping the 7th LB with both Bates and Stewart getting core reps on ST, makes more sense IMO.

And interesting commentary on Stewart being the "Ojinnaka" of this years cuts.

 

[iced]

RB (4*) Darryl Richardson, Zac Stacy, Benny Cunningham, Terrance Ganaway, Isaiah Pead*

Methinks Pead's one game suspension keeps all five of these backs safe for week one. After that, either Cunningham or Ganaway are headed to the practice squad unless Pead is dealt. The team has lightning, but I'd love to see a veteran "thunder" back picked up via trade or waivers.

this is the only thing I disagree with.

This is I how think it shakes out:

RB (4*) Darryl Richardson, Isaiah Pead, Zac Stacy, Benny Cunningham

Pead is still by far the best pass blocker at the RB spot - both Given's long bombs had Pead picking up the backing blitzer perfectly. Ganaway I think heads to the practice squad. Been in the tub a lot, while Cunningham has been on the field.

Cunningham didn't show me much last night - His numbers were saved by a 17 yard draw play on 3rd & 18. Although the 2nd string o-line was just terrible.

Pead will be suspended during week one and his roster spot won't count.

I thought you meant depth chart for the season

still think it's ganaway to the PS

 

[CoachO]

RB (4*) Darryl Richardson, Zac Stacy, Benny Cunningham, Terrance Ganaway, Isaiah Pead*

Methinks Pead's one game suspension keeps all five of these backs safe for week one. After that, either Cunningham or Ganaway are headed to the practice squad unless Pead is dealt. The team has lightning, but I'd love to see a veteran "thunder" back picked up via trade or waivers.

this is the only thing I disagree with.

This is I how think it shakes out:

RB (4*) Darryl Richardson, Isaiah Pead, Zac Stacy, Benny Cunningham

Pead is still by far the best pass blocker at the RB spot - both Given's long bombs had Pead picking up the backing blitzer perfectly. Ganaway I think heads to the practice squad. Been in the tub a lot, while Cunningham has been on the field.

Cunningham didn't show me much last night - His numbers were saved by a 17 yard draw play on 3rd & 18. Although the 2nd string o-line was just terrible.

Ganaway hasn't "been in the tub" all that much. He missed two practices, and as was the case last night with Stacy, he was the designated "odd man out" last week. They aren't gonna dress ALL 6 RBs, or at the very least, NOT PLAY all six in any given Preseason game.

I anticipate the guy not seeing the field much next week will be Cunningham. Look for Ganaway and Stacy a lot over the next two weeks, wile still finding reps for Richardson (in one of those games)

 

[iced]

RB (4*) Darryl Richardson, Zac Stacy, Benny Cunningham, Terrance Ganaway, Isaiah Pead*

Methinks Pead's one game suspension keeps all five of these backs safe for week one. After that, either Cunningham or Ganaway are headed to the practice squad unless Pead is dealt. The team has lightning, but I'd love to see a veteran "thunder" back picked up via trade or waivers.

this is the only thing I disagree with.

This is I how think it shakes out:

RB (4*) Darryl Richardson, Isaiah Pead, Zac Stacy, Benny Cunningham

Pead is still by far the best pass blocker at the RB spot - both Given's long bombs had Pead picking up the backing blitzer perfectly. Ganaway I think heads to the practice squad. Been in the tub a lot, while Cunningham has been on the field.

Cunningham didn't show me much last night - His numbers were saved by a 17 yard draw play on 3rd & 18. Although the 2nd string o-line was just terrible.

Ganaway hasn't "been in the tub" all that much. He missed two practices, and as was the case last night with Stacy, he was the designated "odd man out" last week. They aren't gonna dress ALL 6 RBs, or at the very least, NOT PLAY all six in any given Preseason game.

I anticipate the guy not seeing the field much next week will be Cunningham. Look for Ganaway and Stacy a lot over the next two weeks, wile still finding reps for Richardson (in one of those games)

2 practices? I coulda sworn I've seen your reports saying he was on the sideline a lot, couple times not even dressed, and hasnt been participating in team drills.

 

[CoachO]

RB (4*) Darryl Richardson, Zac Stacy, Benny Cunningham, Terrance Ganaway, Isaiah Pead*

Methinks Pead's one game suspension keeps all five of these backs safe for week one. After that, either Cunningham or Ganaway are headed to the practice squad unless Pead is dealt. The team has lightning, but I'd love to see a veteran "thunder" back picked up via trade or waivers.

this is the only thing I disagree with.

This is I how think it shakes out:

RB (4*) Darryl Richardson, Isaiah Pead, Zac Stacy, Benny Cunningham

Pead is still by far the best pass blocker at the RB spot - both Given's long bombs had Pead picking up the backing blitzer perfectly. Ganaway I think heads to the practice squad. Been in the tub a lot, while Cunningham has been on the field.

Cunningham didn't show me much last night - His numbers were saved by a 17 yard draw play on 3rd & 18. Although the 2nd string o-line was just terrible.

Ganaway hasn't "been in the tub" all that much. He missed two practices, and as was the case last night with Stacy, he was the designated "odd man out" last week. They aren't gonna dress ALL 6 RBs, or at the very least, NOT PLAY all six in any given Preseason game.

I anticipate the guy not seeing the field much next week will be Cunningham. Look for Ganaway and Stacy a lot over the next two weeks, wile still finding reps for Richardson (in one of those games)

2 practices? I coulda sworn I've seen your reports saying he was on the sideline a lot, couple times not even dressed, and hasnt been participating in team drills.

He "missed" the Cleveland game, and didn't dress for the Saturday and Monday practices. Tues and Wed practices were closed, and he was back taking reps on Thurs.

The guy who has actually missed the MOST practice time has been Stacy.

 

[bwdenverram]

Think you're pretty much on point Memphis.

I'm probably in the minority but I think Pead is fine. And if I had to chose between Stacy and Cunningham I would go Cunningham. Seems to me he and Stacy are pretty similar but Cunnigham has more speed. And although Pead didn't have a great game overall, he did a really good job in blitz pickup. Pead has never had a full game with the #1 OL. His first carry is really what I'd like to see more of. I don't think he's a great between the tackles rusher. But given a little space his speed takes over.

WR- I hope your right about Helmick, I think the kid is a player.

 

[CGI_Ram]

I don't think he's a great between the tackles rusher.

Maybe this is why I come away unimpressed with Pead. I mean, we got a guy that can run outside (D Rich).

This is also why I see Stacy as a legit threat to overtake Pead. He can get it done inside.

 

[Sum1]

I really hope that Clemens is released. Then I hope Davis serves as the No.2 for a short time until whomever they pick up from another teams cut gets acclimated to the system.

I've got to believe there are better QBs that are going to be cut from other teams than Clemens.

 

[Memphis Ram]

I just wish the team could come up with the cap space to tweek this roster a little bit.

Of course I'm dreaming here, but if the Rams could somehow swing a deal to pickup someone like Mike Tolbert who has been underutilized in Carolina, he'd be the perfect "THUNDER" to Darryl Richardson's "LIGHTING" in this offense.

 

[den-the-coach]

I just wish the team could come up with the cap space to tweek this roster a little bit.

Of course I'm dreaming here, but if the Rams could somehow swing a deal to pickup someone like Mike Tolbert who has been underutilized in Carolina, he'd be the perfect "THUNDER" to Darryl Richardson's "LIGHTING" in this offense.

Okay now I know who while there at it see if the Panthers will throw in Jimmy Clausen too?

 

[JIMERAMS]

I like a lot of what you have on that roster. After watching the game again I really didn't see pead do anything wrong last night. There was not any holes to run through and he was hit in the backfield a few times. Made a nice move out in space and hit that first run quick. picking up the blitz he was great.

What I don't like is him running kickoffs back get him out of there and let him concentrate on RB.

 

[A55VA6]

Is it odd that I look at Helmick and think "He's a faster Danny Amendola"? I think he has that potential. The dude can play and deserves an opportunity in the NFL.

 

[CoachO]

Is it odd that I look at Helmick and think "He's a faster Danny Amendola"? I think he has that potential. The dude can play and deserves an opportunity in the NFL.

He IS faster than Amendola> runs 4.40 and has been "clocked" at 4.34....although not sure about the accuracy

But suffice to say, he is NOT slow.

 

[Memphis Ram]

I like a lot of what you have on that roster. After watching the game again I really didn't see pead do anything wrong last night. There was not any holes to run through and he was hit in the backfield a few times. Made a nice move out in space and hit that first run quick. picking up the blitz he was great.

What I don't like is him running kickoffs back get him out of there and let him concentrate on RB.

So far this looks like the 2nd preseason in a row where there's no running room for Pead.

Is the kid just snake bit? Is he tipping plays? Or is he simply not very good in between the tackles? Or all of the above?

 

[Memphis Ram]

I like a lot of what you have on that roster. After watching the game again I really didn't see pead do anything wrong last night. There was not any holes to run through and he was hit in the backfield a few times. Made a nice move out in space and hit that first run quick. picking up the blitz he was great.

What I don't like is him running kickoffs back get him out of there and let him concentrate on RB.

So far this looks like the 2nd preseason in a row where there's no running room for Pead.

Is the kid just snake bit? Is he tipping plays? Or is he simply not very good in between the tackles? Or all of the above?

 

[bluecoconuts]

I like a lot of what you have on that roster. After watching the game again I really didn't see pead do anything wrong last night. There was not any holes to run through and he was hit in the backfield a few times. Made a nice move out in space and hit that first run quick. picking up the blitz he was great.

What I don't like is him running kickoffs back get him out of there and let him concentrate on RB.

So far this looks like the 2nd preseason in a row where there's no running room for Pead.

Is the kid just snake bit? Is he tipping plays? Or is he simply not very good in between the tackles? Or all of the above?

There wasn't really room for anyone against the Packers. Pead had the nicest run I think, like Fisher said he was one block away from probably going the distance. The other good runs I saw was Richardson but that was called back from a hold, and then a 3rd and long draw, which the defense was all playing back to keep the play in front of them, so getting big yards is easier.