Five Rams positional battles to watch in training camp

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Five Rams positional battles to watch in training camp | Sporting News

What are the key positional battles to watch for the Rams in training camp?

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Five Rams positional battles to watch in training camp​

Training camp for the Los Angeles Rams is right around the corner. In camp, rosters truly begin to take shape and players start to separate themselves from each other. Most of the Rams' starting lineup is pretty set, as they return most of their starters on both sides of the ball.

However, there are plenty of spots on the depth chart up for grabs. Many backup spots are in for serious competition and need to have an answer at before the start of the season.

1.) Backup quarterback

Matthew Stafford is obviously entrenched as the starting quarterback for the Rams. However, he's battled injuries every year with the Rams, making the backup quarterback spot important. The Rams signed Jimmy Garoppolo in free agency to a one-year deal, but will also have 2023 fourth-round pick Stetson Bennett returning after an absence for most of the 2023 season.

Garoppolo seems like a shoo-in for this spot, given his experience, but if Bennett can push him and earn this role, that's a good sign for the young quarterback's development.

2.) Starting FS

The Rams don't really use the traditional FS/SS designation, so this is more of a positional diagnosis. The Rams used Jordan Fuller as their deep safety in 2023, but Fuller departed in free agency, leaving that spot up for grabs. There's a three-way battle for that spot between Russ Yeast, John Johnson III, and Kamren Kinchens.

Johnson has been at his best when he can roam the field, playing deep and in the box depending on the coverage and look. Yeast has struggled on the field the last two seasons, while Kinchens is just a rookie. There might not be a "winner" here out of camp, but Kinchens stepping up and seizing this spot would be a boost for the Rams' defense.

3.) LB3

The Rams rostered just three linebackers last season, and I'm not sure that number will change this year. Ernest Jones is the team's top linebacker and arguably their most important defender this season. Christian Rozeboom is the likely LB2 given his familiarity with the defense and his return to that role last year. This leaves a battle for that last spot between five players: Jake Hummel, Troy Reeder, Olakunle Fatukasi, Omar Speights, and Elias Neal.

Hummel won the spot last season on the Rams' initial 53-man roster, but ended up getting out-snapped by Reeder. Speights has flashed some in college, but two straight years of poor tape led to him falling to become an undrafted free agent. Reeder feels like the favorite out of this room, but there doesn't seem to be a real "correct" answer here.

4.) CB3

This spot becomes widely important because of Tre'Davious White's injury history. We don't really even know if White will be ready for the start of the season, making this spot even more crucial, as they'll be the first player to step in to back him up.

The Rams are relying on a trio of young, unproven players to hold this spot: Cobie Durant, Derion Kendrick, and Tre Tomlinson. Durant has been the only one to put out positive tape so far, but struggled in his second season with the Rams. Someone stepping up to lock this spot down would be a relief for the Rams' defensive depth.

5.) WR depth

The Rams' top three receivers are set with Cooper Kupp, Puka Nacua, and Demarcus Robinson. The spots behind them aren't quite as settled though, and could reveal a shift in the direction of the team. Tutu Atwell is competing with rookies Jordan Whittington, Sam Wiglusz, Drake Stoops, and JJ Laap, as well as former fifth-round pick Tyler Johnson, for playing time. There might not be anybody outright cut, as the Rams have kept six and even seven wide receivers on their initial 53-man roster in previous years, but this spot will be telling.

Will Jordan Whittington become the team's WR4? He's stepped up and adjusted to the offense quickly so far. His blocking ability and special teams acumen might give him the edge over Atwell in an offense that wants to run the ball. Johnson has caught just two passes over the last two seasons, both in the Rams' backup-driven Week 18 win over the 49ers, while Stoops, Wiglusz, and Laap could also serve on special teams as returners or gunners. Who emerges out of here will be a story to monitor.

 

[AvengerRam]

Given the new rules, I’m particularly interested in the KR role.

 

[fanotodd]

When I see names like Reeder, JJ3, and Atwell, it tells me the Rams are prepared for a learning curve. Maybe guys like Kinchens, and Whittingham get to ease into the process instead of a trial by fire.

The expectations were lower and the schedule a bit more forgiving last year, but 2024 is different. This team EXPECTS to be good, very good. Sure, the early losses to cincy and the Steelers were frustrating, but the Rams will be opening this season with 5 straight NFC opponents—two of them within the division. A slow start would be digging a hole deeper than last year.
I expect to see guys like Reeder, JJ3, and Atwell getting snaps early.

 

[Allen2McVay]

...
I expect to see guys like Reeder getting snaps early.

 

[fanotodd]

View attachment 66236

Don’t be scared unless he’s integral and after 3 or 4 games to boot.

 

[Tano]

When I see names like Reeder, JJ3, and Atwell, it tells me the Rams are prepared for a learning curve. Maybe guys like Kinchens, and Whittingham get to ease into the process instead of a trial by fire.

The expectations were lower and the schedule a bit more forgiving last year, but 2024 is different. This team EXPECTS to be good, very good. Sure, the early losses to cincy and the Steelers were frustrating, but the Rams will be opening this season with 5 straight NFC opponents—two of them within the division. A slow start would be digging a hole deeper than last year.
I expect to see guys like Reeder, JJ3, and Atwell getting snaps early.

I gave an ouch due to Reeder.

 

[Loyal]

Given the new rules, I’m particularly interested in the KR role.

Boston steps from the shadows...


View: https://i.imgur.com/CmUWVLq.gif?1

 

[fanotodd]

I gave an ouch due to Reeder.

I completely understand. If Reeder is the best the Rams have, well, we know the rest. But Reeder doesn’t exactly suck. He’s a high effort pro who has made his share of plays. What he lacks is the physical abilities the better players have. That’s ok. He’s still a pro, possibly moreso than others with more ability.

Lotta new guys coming in. Installing and transforming the defense post Donald benefits from guys like Reeder and JJ3 because they will “get it” faster. If nothing else, that’s their role.

Until one of these “bigger, stronger, faster” potential upgrades learns what their assignments are, learns what constant effort is required, Reeder will have a spot.

 

[Allen2McVay]

I completely understand. If Reeder is the best the Rams have, well, we know the rest. But Reeder doesn’t exactly suck. He’s a high effort pro who has made his share of plays. What he lacks is the physical abilities the better players have. That’s ok. He’s still a pro, possibly more so than others with more ability.

Until one of these “bigger, stronger, faster” potential upgrades learns what their assignments are, learns what constant effort is required, Reeder will have a spot.

One of my favorite games to re-play is the 2021 NFC Championship comeback win over the Niners.

Having seen that game so many times, it's difficult for me to appreciate Reeder.

 

[den-the-coach]

I completely understand. If Reeder is the best the Rams have, well, we know the rest. But Reeder doesn’t exactly suck. He’s a high effort pro who has made his share of plays. What he lacks is the physical abilities the better players have. That’s ok. He’s still a pro, possibly moreso than others with more ability.

I disagree. A few years ago, you would have been correct, but last year Reeder was awful, even on special teams, which is supposed to be his forte. He started in the last game of the year against San Francisco and missed many tackles and then got hurt prior to halftime.

Jake Hummel replaced made some plays and the defense played far better without Reeder. I just don't see what the Rams see in him. Reeder is always a day late and a dollar short. Now, I do believe they like what he brings to the table from the neck up, but IMHO, Reeder's skills are diminishing fast and I for one hope that UDRFA Omar Speights can beat him out as I would like Reeder to be released.

 

[Elmgrovegnome]

I hope Whittington can win the fourth receiver spot. His overall dize and skillset seems like it would be more useful than what Atwell offers.

 

[fanotodd]

One of my favorite games to re-play is the 2021 NFC Championship comeback win over the Niners.

Having seen that game so many times, it's difficult for me to appreciate Reeder.

I have to say that game is historic. I’ve rewatched the complete game on utube more than the SB two weeks later!
What a great game for diehard Ram fans—ripping the heart from the chest of your rival who not only had a 4th qtr lead, but they had the Rams’ number up to that point.

…but I also like to go back and rewatch highlights of the games during that second half run, including the playoffs. Despite their limitations, EVERY guy on the 53 made plays at some point. They HAD to. The Rams won it all while being on fumes.

I know we will always remember Reeder getting dragged around in that NFCCG, but he was, like everyone else on the 53, a contributor who made his share of plays.

I get it. He’s slow and has had tackling issues at times, but if the Rams are gonna replace him just make sure his replacement is an upgrade. Sounds obvious, but it hasn’t always worked that way.

 

[Tano]

I have to say that game is historic. I’ve rewatched the complete game on utube more than the SB two weeks later!
What a great game for diehard Ram fans—ripping the heart from the chest of your rival who not only had a 4th qtr lead, but they had the Rams’ number up to that point.

…but I also like to go back and rewatch highlights of the games during that second half run, including the playoffs. Despite their limitations, EVERY guy on the 53 made plays at some point. They HAD to. The Rams won it all while being on fumes.

I know we will always remember Reeder getting dragged around in that NFCCG, but he was, like everyone else on the 53, a contributor who made his share of plays.

I get it. He’s slow and has had tackling issues at times, but if the Rams are gonna replace him just make sure his replacement is an upgrade. Sounds obvious, but it hasn’t always worked that way.

That's fair.

And one thing I have always said about Reeder is that he is great at blitzing the QB.

I have gotten to the point that if the Rams are going to keep him, I would like to see him in the game on 3rd down and long and have him blitz frequently. And have him continually moving so other teams won't know if he is blitzing or not. But that is the only time I want him in the game.

 

[dang]

That's fair.

And one thing I have always said about Reeder is that he is great at blitzing the QB.

I have gotten to the point that if the Rams are going to keep him, I would like to see him in the game on 3rd down and long and have him blitz frequently. And have him continually moving so other teams won't know if he is blitzing or not. But that is the only time I want him in the game.

Reeder used to be good at plugging a hole and always gave 110%. The problem was (and won’t improve) is can only move it one direction - straight ahead. No lateral movement, no change in direction, easily juked one on one.

 

[Merlin]

Reeder is not slow. His prob is change of direction. The dude is a brick and when he gets rolling a cutback will roast him. Also any play where he's 30 yards downfield getting beat in the pass game isn't gonna be on him. If you scheme it up for your ILB to "cover" a back that far the assumption is the QB should be spittin grass by that point and if not, well, line 'em up and next play.

He's a solid depth piece for facing teams that are run heavy. If you keep him in the box he's fine. Oh and I will add yet again that if he were to play about 10 lbs lighter he'd be a ton better in change of direction.

Rams need to find someone who can pair up with Jones on the downs or vs teams that have the speed and mismatches in the pass game. I suspect that player will be Lake, because he seems to have the mix of abilities for it, but will they need him elsewhere.

 

[dang]

Reeder is not slow. His prob is change of direction. The dude is a brick and when he gets rolling a cutback will roast him. Also any play where he's 30 yards downfield getting beat in the pass game isn't gonna be on him. If you scheme it up for your ILB to "cover" a back that far the assumption is the QB should be spittin grass by that point and if not, well, line 'em up and next play.

He's a solid depth piece for facing teams that are run heavy. If you keep him in the box he's fine. Oh and I will add yet again that if he were to play about 10 lbs lighter he'd be a ton better in change of direction.

Rams need to find someone who can pair up with Jones on the downs or vs teams that have the speed and mismatches in the pass game. I suspect that player will be Lake, because he seems to have the mix of abilities for it, but will they need him elsewhere.

Someone like ShaqThompson or Matt Judan before trade deadline on my radar.

 

[Tano]

Reeder is not slow. His prob is change of direction. The dude is a brick and when he gets rolling a cutback will roast him. Also any play where he's 30 yards downfield getting beat in the pass game isn't gonna be on him. If you scheme it up for your ILB to "cover" a back that far the assumption is the QB should be spittin grass by that point and if not, well, line 'em up and next play.

He's a solid depth piece for facing teams that are run heavy. If you keep him in the box he's fine. Oh and I will add yet again that if he were to play about 10 lbs lighter he'd be a ton better in change of direction.

Rams need to find someone who can pair up with Jones on the downs or vs teams that have the speed and mismatches in the pass game. I suspect that player will be Lake, because he seems to have the mix of abilities for it, but will they need him elsewhere.

I agree with you about what you stated about Reeder but you left out two other issues with Reeder.

One - he cannot stop runners in their track. In fact, he usually gets dragged for two or three yards before they get tackled. And then there are players like Deebo that will drag him for an extra 5 to 10 yards.

Two - he can easily get juked and miss tackles. Frequently - I saw Reeder flail his arms to miss the tackle. It doesn't always happen, but it happens way more often than I like.

But as I have said earlier, he does have one strength - his ability to blitz the QB. Have him blitz on long yardage plays and he will get to the QB more often than not.

 

[Merlin]

I agree with you about what you stated about Reeder but you left out two other issues with Reeder.

One - he cannot stop runners in their track. In fact, he usually gets dragged for two or three yards before they get tackled. And then there are players like Deebo that will drag him for an extra 5 to 10 yards.

Two - he can easily get juked and miss tackles. Frequently - I saw Reeder flail his arms to miss the tackle. It doesn't always happen, but it happens way more often than I like.

But as I have said earlier, he does have one strength - his ability to blitz the QB. Have him blitz on long yardage plays and he will get to the QB more often than not.

Yeah his most annoying missed tackle was in the redzone, in his run gap, vs Green Bay in the playoffs. He is not an elite tackler I agree. What he is: a cheap depth backer who puts out high effort snap to snap and can do a bit of everything for you. He can stand up a blocker and shed time to time, just won't be at the performance level of a top backer. He can blitz for you with good threat, cover a bit, etc too.

Having a guy like him on the depth chart is not a bad thing basically. The problem is we should have top end role types in those offball backer duties, so that a guy like Reeder is depth, and we don't.

The biggest thing our defense needs right now with that position group is Jones to fully arrive as an elite ILB. He will be the dude who is on the field for all the snaps. Leadership is there. Now it's about consistency for him to continue that rise to being one of the best in the game. He will never be a full sideline to sideline type and that's fine. If he locks it down snap to snap within the hashes alone that should be enough for us to put a lot of teams into third and long, and from there good things should happen.