Way too early final 53 depth chart (Sept)

[oldnotdead]

OFFENSE

LT Whitworth, Edwards
LG Corbett, Brewer
C Allen, Blythe
RG Edwards, Shelton
RT Havenstein, Evans
(all backups activate gameday per CBA)

TE Higbee, Everett, Hopkins

QB Goff, Wolford

RB Henderson, Ackers, Brown, Kelly (This is a make or break year for Kelly. He's an inside RB so that should help him.)

WR Woods, Kupp, Jefferson, Reynolds, Webster, Winston (Winston 2 year developmental player)

Total 24 (Noteboom PUP)

DEFENSE

DE Brockers/Lewis
NT Robinson, SJD
DT Donald, Gaines
OLB Floyd, Okoronkwo

MLB Kiser, Reeder, Johnston
MO Young, Howard
SAM Ebukam, Lewis, Rozeboom

Safeties Johnson(FS), Rapp(SS), Scott(FS), Fuller(SS), Gervase(S)

CB Ramsey(RCB), Long(LCB), Burgess(SCB/RCB), Hill(LCB), Williams(SCB), Deayon or Alexander(CB)

Total 26 (25 when Noteboom returns)

ST
K Hajrullahu
P Hekker
LS McQuaide

When Noteboom comes off PUP the #6 CB or Reeder probably gets released. I can see Winston changing positions to WR to use his height and speed. It will remain to be seen if he can catch and run routes. His advantage is he knows the route concepts so it's practicing technique. The need will be there next year or the year after.

 

[FaulkSF]

Really like your prediction. Only think that Brown or Kelly are on the bubble and would replace with Mundt since we play so much 12 personnel and with Everett's injury history.

 

[Memento]

Isn't it supposed to be a 55-man roster and a twelve-man practice squad?

 

[den-the-coach]

I like Johnny Mundt to be the 4th TE as he does all the dirty work with John Kelly getting cut as I like Xavier Jones to the PS... Plus I like rookie Sam Slowman or Austin MacGinnis to win the kicking job over Oh Canada...Maybe Patrick over the Jack Rabbit Rozeboom, but I do like that kid...Well done @oldnotdead well done.

Oh and one more thing, if Brian Allen is the starting Center I'm going to jump off the Tallahatchie Bridge.

 

[Memphis Ram]

OFFENSE (26)
QB: Jared Goff, John Wolford
RB: Cam Akers, Darrell Henderson, Malcolm Brown, Xavier Jones
WR: Robert Woods, Cooper Kupp, Josh Reynolds, Van Jefferson, Nsimba Webster, Earnest Edwards (KR/PR)
TE: Tyler Higbee, Gerald Everett, Brycen Hopkins, Johnny Mundt
OT: Andrew Whitworth, Rob Havenstein, Joseph Noteboom, Bobby Evans
OG: David Edwards, Austin Corbett, Tremayne Anchrum, Chandler Brewer
C: Austin Blythe, Nate Trewyn

DEFENSE (24)
DL: Aaron Donald, A'Shawn Robinson, Michael Brockers, Sebastian Joseph-Day, Greg Gaines, Michael Hoecht
OLB: Leonard Floyd, Terrell Lewis, Samson Ekubaum, Ogbonnia Okoronkwo
ILB: Travian Howard, Micah Kiser, Natrez Patrick, Kenny Young, Clay Johnston
CB: Jalen Ramsey, Troy Hill, David Long, Darious Williams, Levonta Taylor
S: John Johnson III, Taylor Rapp, Terrell Burgess, Jordan Fuller

SPECIALIST (3)
K: Lirim Hajrullahu
P: Johnny Hecker
LS: Jake McQuaide

PRACTICE SQUAD (12)
DL Jonah Williams
DB Tyrique McGhee
DB Dayan Lake
DB Jake Gervase
OL Coleman Shelton
OL Cohl Cabral
LB Christian Rozeboom
QB Bryce Perkins
WR Trishton Jackson
WR Easop Winston Jr.
Not on roster yet
Not on roster yet

 

[fearsomefour]

Mundt is the third TE.
I would have Copeland as the last DL.
Brewer makes sense as a keep as he can play T in a pinch.

 

[den-the-coach]

@Memphis Ram nice cutting Brian Allen...Still like Slowman or MacGinnis over Hajrullahu as the Canadian's leg is stronger, but I'm betting the hash marks & goal posts being in the back of the end zone will be too much of an adjustment.

Earnest Edwards great story, but is more of a kickoff specialist then punt returner...Only returned 9 punts in his collegiate career for 55 yards with a long of 28. Greg Dortch returned 45 punts for 438 yards and 2 touchdowns.

 

[dieterbrock]

There’s no way Wolford is the #2 QB. Just can’t see it.
RB room will be one to watch. Only safe guys are D Hend and the Rook. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Brown dumped and replaced by a vet and a 4th RB who is special teamer. (Maybe X Jones)
Seeing it on paper makes that WR room look awful thin too

 

[fanotodd]

Oh and one more thing, if Brian Allen is the starting Center I'm going to jump off the Tallahatchie Bridge.

I'm with ya there. Allen was terrible last year and then suffered injury. He wasn't ready to start and I'm not sure if he would be this year. It wouldn't be the end of the world if he turned out to be a solid backup for a couple seasons. That was Blythe's role and he was excellent. Blythe just doesn't impress me as a legit full time starter. I really think the Rams missed the boat when it came to the draft. There were a couple Centers available that will probably be starting opening day.

Then again, it's difficult to say which of our first four picks we should have done without until later in the draft. Time will tell.

 

[SeminoleRam]

There’s no way Wolford is the #2 QB. Just can’t see it.
RB room will be one to watch. Only safe guys are D Hend and the Rook. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Brown dumped and replaced by a vet and a 4th RB who is special teamer. (Maybe X Jones)
Seeing it on paper makes that WR room look awful thin too

Totally, Agree! I have NO idea on just how good John Wolford is but I just can’t believe that McVay won’t have a QB with more experience backing up Goff (Personally, I hope the Rams re-sign Bortles/He has Good Experience and he knows the Rams system!)!

 

[fanotodd]

Good work oldnotdead. Thanks for creating a solid template to follow.

As usual, our WR group looks great. Depth of talent, just solid football players.

Re OL:
I would like to see Edwards return to the left side if possible. I thought he looked good there and a full season alongside Whitworth could be highly beneficial. Could Corbett possibly move over to the right side? Definitely have to start Blythe over Allen, but I don't even think the staff is set on who's gonna play where on the OL. There are too many possibilities and a few injured guys who's recovery will have something to do with the situation.

I think the Rams will carry 4 TEs.

That LB corp isn't that scary, mostly because it's unproven, but that DL is looking good. That's how you make LBs look good.

I'm digging the secondary. 3 years in a row the Rams have hit on a solid prospect after the 2nd round. JJ3 and Rapp already look like/are studs and Burgess is up next. Totally stoked to see those guys plus our starting CBs create some turnovers, especially with that loaded front creating some tough passing situations.

 

[den-the-coach]

There’s no way Wolford is the #2 QB. Just can’t see it.
RB room will be one to watch. Only safe guys are D Hend and the Rook. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Brown dumped and replaced by a vet and a 4th RB who is special teamer. (Maybe X Jones)
Seeing it on paper makes that WR room look awful thin too

Why, Wolford played very well in preseason and did well in his short stint with the Alliance League. If there is a preseason, let's see what the Rams have in him. Just because he's short no need to discount him. Very good QB at Wake Forest, did well in the Alliance League and looked good enough in preseason to dislodge Brandon Allen and spent a year on the practice squad.

Snead has said they like him, so I'm not sure the Rams make a move here, maybe they do, but in that case, they could just bring back Bortles.

 

[OC--LeftCoast]

@Memphis Ram nice cutting Brian Allen...Still like Slowman or MacGinnis over Hajrullahu as the Canadian's leg is stronger, but I'm betting the hash marks & goal posts being in the back of the end zone will be too much of an adjustment.

Aw c’mon Den, weren’t you the one literally crusading for Denby this time last year?

ok, that was a low blow

Not saying Allen is the man, I’d like to think we could use a little more body of work, id say it’s about 50/50 he makes it


I’ll agree on Sloman tho, that competition will be interesting

 

[den-the-coach]

Aw c’mon Den, weren’t you the one literally crusading for Denby this time last year?

ok, that was a low blow

Not saying Allen is the man, I’d like to think we could use a little more body of work, id say it’s about 50/50 he makes it


I’ll agree on Sloman tho, that competition will be interesting

Shots fired on Demby, but I deserve it....FWIW I didn't like the Allen pick and he even struggled with the basics last year, which was line calls & snaps, then Allen after the whistle pushed a player into Noteboom, resulting in a torn MCL/ACL for Noteboom. Plus he struggled in all other areas. I would keep Shelton over him, can't stand him. Now maybe I'm wrong and Allen comes back and proves me wrong, then fine, but the injury to Boom because of him being overzealous pissed me off.

 

[BonifayRam]

Shots fired on Demby, but I deserve it....FWIW I didn't like the Allen pick and he even struggled with the basics last year, which was line calls & snaps, then Allen after the whistle pushed a player into Noteboom, resulting in a torn MCL/ACL for Noteboom. Plus he struggled in all other areas. I would keep Shelton over him, can't stand him. Now maybe I'm wrong and Allen comes back and proves me wrong, then fine, but the injury to Boom because of him being overzealous pissed me off.

Me too. I was also there with you. I sure like the size & length ...over 6-5 320 plus pounds .....Jamil Demby would have brought to the OL reserve unit in 2019. He had excellent physical measures had 11-inch hands. He was outstanding @ the Senior Bowl too. Just could not produce when crunch time came when the opportunities in pre-season & early regular season came.

Demby got a chance to shine @ the RG post for Austin Blythe & failed after playing 1 3/4 @ RG for Blythe. Later he filled in for Joseph Noteboom @ LG & the results were even worse. Demby lost out to rookie David Edwards. Then when Brian Allen was injured newly arrived Corbett & Edwards became the starting OG's. Chandler Brewer & Coleman Shelton beat him out as a game day dressed OL'ers. Demby was never seen again.

 

[Ram65]

I think Brain Allen isn't done. He has a nasty streak I like. He moves to the second level well. The entire offensive line was off last year. Let's see them all compete and the best ones start. I want to see what a healthy Blythe can do and an in shape Havenstein. Tremayne Anchrum going to get a look at both OG/OC. I'm not high on Brewer after he filled in for Evans at OI against the Whiners but, it was a small sample.

 

[MachS]

Brian Allen tore his ACL in November. Literally no chance he starts the season ready to play. Noteboom tore ACL and MCL in October. Neither of these guys will have an impact until mid season. I still have no clue why people here think they'll be contributing early in the season for this team. It makes zero sense. Thats not even mentioning the fact they both were horrendous last year.

Only other things I see regarding this depth cart..my guess is Floyd/Ebu start at OLB with Obo and Lewis coming in as backups. D line and secondary will be dominant, and Burgess gets the nod in nickel packages. I think he plays a ton as a rookie. Hill has earned the starting spot over Long, not sure why he gets the hate he does. Hes been pretty solid in man coverage across from Ramsey. If Long wins that spot then great, but he's the underdog right now. Defense will be pretty damn good this year I think, it should surprise a lot of teams. My only concern on D is our ILBs in base packages. If Reeder is on the field he will get picked on constantly like last year. The guy cannot move laterally at all. I hope Kaiser, Young or Howard the nod because they offer much more upside.

On offense it all comes down to the OL. Akers/Henderson should be solid and we're stacked at WR/TE.

 

[oldnotdead]

The roster doesn't expand to 55 until they extend the season to 17 games probably next year. What does expand is the active gameday roster by 2 players, one of which must be OL. That's why clubs that normally carry only 8 on the o-line will now carry 9. The Rams like most teams only carried 8 on the o-line because they only activated 2 reserves on game day. With the requirement that they expand the active roster on game day with one additional o-line, they could carry 9. With re-signing both Shelton and Blythe I think they might carry 9 on the active roster. I also think that the number of injuries they sustained on the o-line might influence them to activate all 9 on gameday on occasion. Especially with a new offensive scheme. It was a typo where I indicated CBA indicated 9 active linemen on game day. It only indicates one additional lineman on game day for a minimum of 8.

Mundt showed he's not a receiver last year. I thought he would be cut last season but with the drafting of Hopkins, I don't see them carrying 4. Normally a player like Winston is PS material but they might keep him on the PS or they might keep Brandon Polk as a returner. Winston can play WR and returner so I think this versatility might win out.

The fact that they didn't draft any o-line and simply re-signed two stop gap players in Whitworth and Blythe indicates to me that they are standing pat with their original plan for the O-line. The fact they committed to Whitworth for 2 years tells me they are waiting for Noteboom to heal and will give him ample time to do so and regain his football form. Allen outplayed both Sullivan and Blythe and they didn't draft another C. If he is 100% I see him as the starter. IMO Blythe was resigned simply as one year insurance at center not to replace Allen. The media is making too much of his signing. Also, he's a poor fit as a starter if they move to an inside run attack. He will be expected to pull and make second-level blocks which has been his weakness. Even if Blythe were to start due to Allen being unable to, he will be on a short leash. Shelton was re-signed because he's the Ram's #2 C for the long term. In fact, in a truly honest competition as a center, I'm sure Shelton can beat Blythe out. So even if Allen is not able to go Shelton could end up starting.

I also see Brockers as simply an early-down player. I think Lewis will play with their pass defense sub-package. I also think Lewis will be a rotational relief of Ebukam at SAM giving him snaps at that position. Brockers was signed in what is basically an affordable 2 year deal as a bridge player. Allowing Lewis to ease into the lineup as as situational player for at least this year. I can see him in rotation with Floyd and with Ebukam. So I can easily see him getting a lot of snaps this year. His drafting essentially pushes Okoronkwo into a backup position with both Lewis and Floyd ahead of him. Okoronkwo flashed last year but he also showed his basic weakness and not as much development as he should have.

Floyd can also play SAM though IMO he's the fulltime replacement for Fowler. I love the Floyd signing because IMO they have as good of a pass rusher in Floyd as they had in Fowler but with far more versatility. Floyd can drop back which is something that Fowler isn't good at. With both Floyd and Lewis they now have good options to backup Ebukam, something they lacked in previous years. Mathews was let go because he simply couldn't play the SAM position and sucked in coverage.

 

[PARAM]

OFFENSE (26)
QB: Jared Goff, John Wolford
RB: Cam Akers, Darrell Henderson, Malcolm Brown, Xavier Jones
WR: Robert Woods, Cooper Kupp, Josh Reynolds, Van Jefferson, Nsimba Webster, Earnest Edwards (KR/PR)
TE: Tyler Higbee, Gerald Everett, Brycen Hopkins, Johnny Mundt
OT: Andrew Whitworth, Rob Havenstein, Joseph Noteboom, Bobby Evans
OG: David Edwards, Austin Corbett, Tremayne Anchrum, Chandler Brewer
C: Austin Blythe, Nate Trewyn

DEFENSE (24)
DL: Aaron Donald, A'Shawn Robinson, Michael Brockers, Sebastian Joseph-Day, Greg Gaines, Michael Hoecht
OLB: Leonard Floyd, Terrell Lewis, Samson Ekubaum, Ogbonnia Okoronkwo
ILB: Travian Howard, Micah Kiser, Natrez Patrick, Kenny Young, Clay Johnston
CB: Jalen Ramsey, Troy Hill, David Long, Darious Williams, Levonta Taylor
S: John Johnson III, Taylor Rapp, Terrell Burgess, Jordan Fuller

SPECIALIST (3)
K: Lirim Hajrullahu
P: Johnny Hecker
LS: Jake McQuaide

PRACTICE SQUAD (12)
DL Jonah Williams
DB Tyrique McGhee
DB Dayan Lake
DB Jake Gervase
OL Coleman Shelton
OL Cohl Cabral
LB Christian Rozeboom
QB Bryce Perkins
WR Trishton Jackson
WR Easop Winston Jr.
Not on roster yet
Not on roster yet

I'm with DB on the QBs. Give me Perkins. Replace Edwards (or Webster) with Trishton Jackson at WR. And Allen (PUP) with Shelton, Noteboom (PUP) with Cabral.

 

[shovelpass]

Brian Allen tore his ACL in November.

He injured his MCL. No mention of tear. No mention of surgery. McVay says he's on track to be ready for the season.