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Today is the day many of you have been waiting for.
Today marks the first preseason game for the Los Angeles Rams. We gave you some rookies to watch for and now here are a few veterans to watch for as they either try to make a name for themselves or prove their worth. Younger players and rookies usually get the majority of snaps in the first week of preseason while veterans get eased into more playing time. There won't be any "superstars" on this list. With that in mind here we go.
S Maurice Alexander
Mo is in the lead to capture the starting safety position opposite T.J. McDonald. Alexander has starting experience due to McDonald's injury last season but he had Rodney McLeod to team up with then. How will Alexander perform in coverage? That was his biggest issue last year. He's a physical presence when lined up in the box but so too is McDonald. It will be interesting to watch how that pair lines up together.
RB Malcolm Brown
Who cares about any RB not named Todd Gurley, right? Well even Gurley needs a breather during games too and the Rams are in the market for someone to take over for the absent Tre Mason this year. Gurley is likely going to be in and out of today's game before you realize it and second year man Malcolm Brown should be first in line to get an extended look in the backfield. Rams backup RBs on average have been good for a solid 100+ carries since 2012 and with Benny Cunningham tapered for more of a receiving role, Brown has a chance to become Gurley's new spell back.
WR Brian Quick
Quick has been the ultimate tease since he was drafted in 2012. Still built like the prototypical WR, he still is wildly inconsistent and on a one year contract. With younger WRs like Bradley Marquez, Pharoh Cooper, Mike Thomas, Duke Williams and Nelson Spruce all flashing in training camp its imperative that Quick have a great preseason if he wants to make the team. No better time to start that campaign than vs Dallas.
OT Isaiah Battle
Not many people remember that Battle is actually part of your 2016 draft class. The Rams selected Battle in the 5th round of the supplemental draft in 2015. Battle is working as the swing tackle in camp. Rodger Saffold has been covering for Rob Havenstein at RT while he recovers from injury which leaves Battle as the next OT in line. He was considered very raw when the Rams grabbed him and he spent most of 2015 on the practice squad. He will likely be playing LT while QB Jared Goff gets his reps with the second team this week. No pressure.
DT Dominique Easley
Easley is probably on the roster bubble and not quite a sure bet to make the team. After being released by the Patriots and recovering from a torn quad, he has new life with the Rams. With little behind starters Aaron Donald and Michael Brockers, Easley will have a chance to make some plays vs the Cowboys. He has always had the talent but hasn't quite been able to put it all together. He's got a tremendous opportunity to become part of the Rams great defensive line.