Position Battles On Defense

Heading into Cleveland to play the Browns, the St. Louis Rams are lucky, because they really aren't looking for any new starters on the defensive side of the ball. However, throughout the rest of the depth chart there are battles for backup positions and making the final 53-man roster.

So to make it easier for you when watching the game tonight, I broke down the noteworthy battles on the defensive side of the ball.

DL

I'm not going to spend too much time here, because by now it's known that the Rams defensive line is loaded.

Final defensive linemen - This battle is between seventh round rookie Michael Sam and undrafted rookie Ethan Westbrooks. It appears as though it's Westbrook's job too lose because he's been pretty damn dominant so far in preseason. Sam has looked okay, and if it wasn't for Westbrooks, he would probably easily make the team. If he makes the team, it will be because he's a solid special teams player.

S

It appears as though T.J. McDonald and Rodney McLeod will return in their roles as starters for the Rams. The other safeties have been pretty good, but it would be a surprise if the Rams made a change.

Backup safety - The Rams might keep five safeties, but so far only Cody Davis and rookie Maurice Alexander have stood out. While these two are the safest to make the roster after the starters, it's hard to tell which one of these two would come fill in if there's an injury. Davis would be okay as a spot starter and has solid tackling skills, however the Rams didn't draft Alexander to be a backup his career and with his range and tackling ability he should be the starter eventually.

CB

The St. Louis Rams cornerback position is full of battles. Only the outside corners are cemented starters heading into the regular season.

Slot corner - It appears as though second-round rookie Lamarcus Joyner is the front runner for the slot corner position. He's been with the starters since preseason began. He does have competition though because second year pro Brandon McGee was the starting nickel corner during training camp this season..

Filling in the rest of cornerback depth chart - The St. Louis Rams have a lot of corners that are vying to make the Rams 53 man roster. Brandon McGee and rookie E.J. Gaines will more than likely take the 4th and 5th position. If the Rams keep six corners things will be difficult as undrafted rookies Marcus Roberson and Greg Reid have been playing equally. It will be interesting to see which one of those two will stand out.