2017 Rams Roster Preview: WR Nelson Spruce, UDFA Superstar

Oh yes, friends. It’s that time. The Los Angeles Rams WR Nelson Spruce roster preview is here.

You may remember last preseason where Spruce tore up everything in his quarter against the Dallas Cowboys (including his knee and calf en route to sitting out the preseason), but Jeff Fisher, molder of men, had literally no other option at receiver saw something in him.

So, here we are. Can Spruce survive a new coach, a new offense, and the onslaught of Cooper Kupp hype from the Rams social media department?

Roster Battle

The most exciting one on the team, easily.

The Rams dumped Kenny Britt, Lance Kendricks and Brian Quick for Robert Woods, Josh Reynolds and Kupp.

That’s a huge turnover. Where Spruce (and the rest of the leftovers) fit into the offense isn’t exactly clear. They were inherited - not chosen - by the current staff.

What’s worse is that many of the receivers acquired do very well in short yardage situations, meaning Spruce’s biggest strength is now something that isn’t that special anymore.

Expectations

In all honesty, unclear. Spruce did well when he was able to hit the field, but that wasn’t often at all. Will he be able to build something with Jared Goff (or more likely, Sean Mannion)? Will he find a spot on the ST side of things - his best chance at sticking to the final roster?

Chances of Making Final Roster (2/10)

Grading him in this way is based on a lot of variables. Last year, he wasn’t healthy. He’s on a new offense, in a position that is due for a lot of turnover. Whether or not it’s warranted, bottom-of-the-roster guys typically are staff favorites. I could see Spruce sticking if he can remain healthy and repeat his preseason performance last year (over four games, of course).

I could also easily see him being cut in favor of any number of McVay’s players - which is what I think is more likely.