Too early final 53 man roster

[TheTackle]

I watched every defensive snap again. Three UFAs stood out. Two of these possibly haven't garnered enough attention:

Josh Wallace. He looked "great" in zone coverage and could make the final 53 if he continues to show out like this. I say this because of the amount of Zone coverage, on Sunday. Was Wallace our best zone defender on the day? It looked that way to me

Anthony Goodlow. Based on this performance he should have been drafted. He could develop into a solid 3-4 End with starting potential. He got some nice penetration; their OL got virtually no push on him; he looks strong even before pro conditioning; has the length to trouble OGs and OTs

Omar Speights. He looks fast, diagnosing and transitioning. He made three great plays even though his snaps were limited. Is he big enough? His frame doesn't look maxed out to me. I didn't see much from him on special teams which limits his chances of making the final 53.

I know Zack VanV has his fans on this board, but these three look like better developmental prospects after preseason week 1

 

[RamsJunkie]

My too-early roster:

QB: Stafford, Bennett. (PUP: Garoppolo.) (2)

(Yeah, we're only keeping two. I'm sorry, but Garoppolo deserves the job over Bennett. We need to find a QB of the future in 2025's draft.)

K-Will, Corum, Rivers. (3)

(I'm only keeping three, but with K-Will and Corum spelling each other along with Rivers, I think we're well-off.)

WR: Kupp, Nacua, Robinson, Whittington, Johnson, X-Smith, Wiglusz. (6)

(Hope Wiglusz is okay after that hit. Thought he did an incredible job this game, along with Smith and - especially - Whittington. Everyone else shouldn't be a surprise.)

TE: Parkinson, Allen. (Higbee: IR) (2)

(Yes, only two tight ends. I think Parkinson and Allen have it wrapped up nicely.)

OL: A-Jax, J-Jax, Avila, Dotson, Havenstein, Limmer, (C/G) Noteboom (LT), McClendon (RT/G), Leveston (LG/RG), Bruss (G/RT). (10)

(First five aren't surprising, but I am so happy to see Bruss come back to life. Think that we'll need ten...and I don't trust Kaskey, McDermott, or Lindstrom.)

DL: Turner, Fiske, BB3, D-Johnson, T-Davis. (5)

(Turner and Fiske should be amazing, but don't discount BB3, Johnson, or Davis; they could be solid. I don't think we're going to need anyone else on the line.)

EDGE: Verse, Young, Hoecht, B-Jax, Hampton, Jones, Hummel, Speights, (8)

(Verse and Young are going to be bookends for the next five years. Hoecht is solid, Brennan Jackson could be a find, and if Hampton keeps playing the way he did against the Cowpokes, he's got himself a spot. Jones' injury is a concern, but I thought that Hummel and Speights acquitted themselves well. Now, chant it after me: NO. MORE REEDER!)

DB: White, D-Will, Durant, Jacobs, THT, Curl, JJ3, Lake, Yeast, Kinchins, Taylor. (11)

(Think Curl and JJ3 are going to get first crack at regular safety spots with Lake and Yeast subbing at STAR. Kinchins should have a redshirt year. A healthy White will propel us to the Super Bowl again, and if D-Will has a bit left in him, and Durant rounds back to form, we could have an awesome - if temporary - corner group. Jacobs, THT, and Taylor round out teams.

ST: Karty, Evans, Ward (3)

(No surprises here.)

Either way, going to be one hell of a competitive and talented camp.

If Tutu was competing for a spot he would have played in the last game. The only way hes not on the team this year is through a trade.

 

[Memento]

I doubt Bobby Brown doesn't make the team.

Tutu probably makes the team too.

And I think we are keeping 3 TEs and 4 RBs

BB3 = Bobby Brown III.

I think Atwell is a potential trade chip, but this roster is just what I would do. As for tight ends, I think I'd scour the waiver wire beforehand for a developmental one, but I think we're fine rolling with Parkinson and Allen.. I just don't want to lose Leveston or Bruss on the offensive line, especially if Bruss has turned the corner. Also don't want to lose either Smith or Wiglusz, Speights, or a defensive back.

If Tutu was competing for a spot he would have played in the last game. The only way hes not on the team this year is through a trade.

I know. This is just what I would do, not what the Rams would do.

 

[WestCoastRam]

Hard to see Tutu leaving the team (though perhaps a small chance) in a trade as McVay historically wants to be 4 deep at WR and Tutu can back up every WR spot (whereas no other WR would be as good a backup X receiver).

Additionally he's got top end speed no one else has and possibly real value this year at KR.

Just really hard to see him going anywhere.

 

[bubbaramfan]

Been watching BBrown closely at TC since he was drafted. He's a good player, but has a stamina problem. He gets gassed way too early. He only got 27% of defensive snaps last season mainly because he has to take a breather after 3 or 4 consecutive plays.
T Davis has been showing an endless high motor compared to Brown. Good thing Rams braintrust added another big body to rotate up the middle. Forget Bobby Brown taking half the snaps.

 

[OldSchool]

Been watching BBrown closely at TC since he was drafted. He's a good player, but has a stamina problem. He gets gassed way too early. He only got 27% of defensive snaps last season mainly because he has to take a breather after 3 or 4 consecutive plays.
T Davis has been showing an endless high motor compared to Brown. Good thing Rams braintrust added another big body to rotate up the middle. Forget Bobby Brown taking half the snaps.

Yeah Davis looks to be a huge get on day 3 to rotate with BB3. And in the event eventually he wants too much money to resign Davis potentially just slots in as starter and we draft the next NT.

 

[Merlin]

Been watching BBrown closely at TC since he was drafted. He's a good player, but has a stamina problem. He gets gassed way too early. He only got 27% of defensive snaps last season mainly because he has to take a breather after 3 or 4 consecutive plays.
T Davis has been showing an endless high motor compared to Brown. Good thing Rams braintrust added another big body to rotate up the middle. Forget Bobby Brown taking half the snaps.

Yeah I'm in the prove it camp with Brown. Davis will probably have his job by midseason, or most of the snaps in that role by then. Brown can look like a stud at times, but as you say maybe it's his conditioning. I don't know what it is but consistency should drive a change and if not then we're really in great shape.

 

[BC Ramfan]

4 CBs does seem light, especially with injury concerns, but it seems like they'll only have to worry about the 2 outside spots. There's alot of talent and versatility among the safeties. Lake at the star, Jourdan said Yeast will be the backup, Curl can move around and then Johnson and Kinchens.

I don't know if Long is the guy, but 3 TEs seem necessary. Jourdan has mentioned before that she expects more 12 personnel. If true 7 WRs might be a too much.

I know nothing, but:

I haven't seen anything from Long that would deserve a spot. Including blocking.
OTOH, I have seen plenty from both Xavier Smith and Tyler Johnson that IMO do.
So damn the torpedoes, I would keep 7 WR (and 4 RBs).
Who needs TEs when you have Coop, Nacua, D-Rob, Tyler and LittleWhit?
And I keep 10 OL. I would keep Arcuri and Bruss over Zach Thomas.

Aside from that, really hoping we can hang on to Omar Speights and McCullough.
So many tough cuts on D.
Yes, thin at border CBs, but looking at DBs as a group, LOTS of nice Safeties. Play them at Nickel/Star.
Re CBs, I have come to really dislike Tomlinson. Think I prefer several depth CBs over him (Wallace, Jolly).

My 2c
BC

 

[swmizzou83]

Even if we have 3 safeties on the field instead of 3 CBs, 4 still doesn't seem like enough for a position that requires 2 on the field at all times.

 

[TheTackle]

Hunter Long should be cut, but will probably be placed on the practice squad - unless, hopefully, they can replace him with someone they liked in the draft (cut on roster trim down). Has he done anything in all his time in the league? Including preseason? Waste of space…

Many of us had high hopes for Xavier Smith last year and we are now seeing why. He has a skill set that we have struggled to find and should be a lock on special teams

I feel sorry for him, but it looks like Johnson is the odd man out. I hope he gets a chance on a weaker team because he deserves it but otherwise he will be back on the practice squad

Jaylen McCollough and Omar Speights might not make it the practice squad, the way they have played! They both play fast and clearly study hard the way the each read the game and bring it

I would cut Reeder ahead of Speights! Reeder would most likely make it to the PS without being claimed.,.

Listening to Jaylen McCollough & Xavier Smith its clear that they have bought into the culture and the results are showing. They come across as great team players. I would not be surprised if they both make it based on special teams alone

I’m calling it, all three of Smith, McCollough & Speights make it onto the bottom of the roster

The 5th CB is more muddy. If we add one more it’s between Woods, Wallace and Jolly. Personally, I would add each to the practice squad and resign A Witherspoon who is an obvious upgrade, at least for now!


View: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=v4939WmV-bA

 

[TheTackle]

It’s always interesting, and sometimes hilarious, to look back at scouting reports once a player steps on to the field and blows it up in the NFL.

OK it’s a little early to say but sometimes one evaluator steps away from the herd and calls it…

Read this 4th round grade and dare tell me Speights isn’t living up to it. Check his play stats from his sophomore and junior years, then consider adding his name to the 53. Has Snead found some post draft gold yet again? It sure is looking like it. Dare I say future starter?

NFL Draft Profile: Omar Speights, Linebacker, Oregon State Beavers

NFL Draft profile scouting report for Oregon State LB Omar Speights

www.si.com

 

[TheTackle]

Player Summary:​

“McCollough is a veteran safety who appeared in 60 games (including 51 starts) during his five-year career at Tennessee. He provided critical leadership for the Volunteers as a team captain in 2022 and 2023. With an athletic, mesomorphic frame and a durable build, McCollough offers compulsory height/weight measurements for the safety position. He operates with infectious effort/energy and has proven to be a valuable asset against the run. He has ample size and toughness to attack downhill and contribute as a run defender in the first level. Exhibits a quick trigger, swift burst to close, and secure open-field tackling ability. He purses the ball to all areas of the field with great straight-line speed and range. His straight-line speed and range translate to proficient deep zone coverage ability as a cover-1 safety. Boasts the requisite play speed and make-up speed to maintain a tight cushion while in man coverage. Comfortable playing press man at the LOS. Uses high FBI and awareness to adjust to switch releases within the first five yards. Possesses quality instincts and reactionary athleticism to jump into passing lanes. Violently plays through the hands at the catch point to force incompletions. Also presents solid hand-eye coordination and ball skills through contact to create turnovers. Team-first player who can produce on special teams if called upon. McCollough’s SEC playing experience, leadership ability, and DB versatility are valuable attributes that will help him find his way onto an NFL roster come training camp”

Looks like we might have found a true strong safety who is comfortable playing deeper in cover 1. Great scheme fit?

https://nfldraftdiamonds.com/2024/01/jaylen-mccollough-2/

 

[WestCoastRam]

I would cut Reeder ahead of Speights! Reeder would most likely make it to the PS without being claimed.,.

View: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=v4939WmV-bA

I think all Speights has to do is show he can be as valuable as Reeder on ST. His talent at both LB and on ST is intriguing.

 

[WestCoastRam]

Player Summary:​

“McCollough is a veteran safety who appeared in 60 games (including 51 starts) during his five-year career at Tennessee. He provided critical leadership for the Volunteers as a team captain in 2022 and 2023. With an athletic, mesomorphic frame and a durable build, McCollough offers compulsory height/weight measurements for the safety position. He operates with infectious effort/energy and has proven to be a valuable asset against the run. He has ample size and toughness to attack downhill and contribute as a run defender in the first level. Exhibits a quick trigger, swift burst to close, and secure open-field tackling ability. He purses the ball to all areas of the field with great straight-line speed and range. His straight-line speed and range translate to proficient deep zone coverage ability as a cover-1 safety. Boasts the requisite play speed and make-up speed to maintain a tight cushion while in man coverage. Comfortable playing press man at the LOS. Uses high FBI and awareness to adjust to switch releases within the first five yards. Possesses quality instincts and reactionary athleticism to jump into passing lanes. Violently plays through the hands at the catch point to force incompletions. Also presents solid hand-eye coordination and ball skills through contact to create turnovers. Team-first player who can produce on special teams if called upon. McCollough’s SEC playing experience, leadership ability, and DB versatility are valuable attributes that will help him find his way onto an NFL roster come training camp”

Looks like we might have found a true strong safety who is comfortable playing deeper in cover 1. Great scheme fit?

https://nfldraftdiamonds.com/2024/01/jaylen-mccollough-2/

There's gonna be a talented safety cut and sent to the PS or picked up by some team. Will be interesting to see how things shape out, seems like Shula wants the bigger type safety-ish player at Star/nickel so perhaps Taylor or McCollough get some snaps there too to see if they can handle it. I'd say Yeast could be in trouble but he can play Star and safety so may be safe.

Do Rams dare keep 5 safeties... at least to start the season?

 

[TheTackle]

There's gonna be a talented safety cut and sent to the PS or picked up by some team. Will be interesting to see how things shape out, seems like Shula wants the bigger type safety-ish player at Star/nickel so perhaps Taylor or McCollough get some snaps there too to see if they can handle it. I'd say Yeast could be in trouble but he can play Star and safety so may be safe.

Do Rams dare keep 5 safeties... at least to start the season?

That’s the speculation. Fours CBs and 5 safeties with Lake as a hybrid star. Agreed, this team are talented from top to bottom. When Snead said they were resetting to go for another Super Bowl this season he was not joking

 

[WestCoastRam]

That’s the speculation. Fours CBs and 5 safeties with Lake as a hybrid star. Agreed, this team are talented from top to bottom. When Snead said they were resetting to go for another Super Bowl this season he was not joking

Yeah, going 4 CBs gives me the itch but I get it with Lake/Yeast in the slot/Star. Will be really interesting to see how it plays out. Also, I'll be curious how often Durant ends up at nickel in this defense too.

 

[den-the-coach]

Xavier Smith has beaten out Tyler Johnson IMHO, Smith offers more from gadget plays to special teams and he has also showcased the ability as a WR too.

 

[WestCoastRam]

Xavier Smith has beaten out Tyler Johnson IMHO, Smith offers more from gadget plays to special teams and he has also showcased the ability as a WR too.

Room for both? 7 WRs most likely with Tutu, Whittington, Smith and Johnson rounding out the depth and offering ST work.

 

[TheTackle]

Room for both? 7 WRs most likely with Tutu, Whittington, Smith and Johnson rounding out the depth and offering ST work.

I like this but suspect numbers dictate six. If it’s based on the best 53 then Johnson is in

 

[WestCoastRam]

I like this but suspect numbers dictate six. If it’s based on the best 53 then Johnson is in

Who you thinking takes his spot? I guess a ST performer but ST is a bit of a black box for me and so much I'm not up on. As far as return guys, it does seem like he and Smith are competing for the same spot there (I guess a surprise cut could be Scott who's set to be a primary returner, no?)