2019 Los Angeles Rams roster preview: WR Austin Proehl needs everything to go right

Los Angeles Rams WR Austin Proehl is a great story.

Check out the profile the OC Register’s Ryan Kartje did on Proehl at the start of Super Bowl week. It’s everything a Rams fan would want — the son of a Rams legend growing up and playing for the team himself. Unfortunately, that profile will be as good as it gets for Proehl on this Rams team.

Roster Battle

It’s not a wide receivers group. It’s a damn committee. There are so many people in this group that if they tried to get into an elevator, a few would be forced to take the stairs. There’s 12 guys fighting for, what will likely be, five roster spots. As it stands today, Proehl would not make one of those roster spots, especially since he has little, if any, proven experience on special teams.

Expectations

Without his famous last name, Proehl would still be a talented guy forced off the final roster due to numbers. He’s an impeccable route-runner.

In 28 games at North Carolina, Proehl recorded more than 1,200 receiving yards off 91 receptions with five touchdowns in 28 games. He lined up at every position but tight end. He was a slot receiver lining up as an outside receiver and still made plays using his foot speed, agility and general athleticism.

He will probably make some plays in the preseason. Myles Simmons made a note of Proehl catching consecutive passes from QB Blake Bortles during the minicamp this month. I fully expect to see that during the exhibition games, but nothing more than that.

Chances of making the roster (1/10)

I love Proehl’s story because he reminds me of former Rams WR Danny Amendola. Like Proehl, Amendola started out as a guy who couldn’t make the final roster despite having tremendous route-running ability and having great hands. Unlike Amendola, however, Proehl hasn’t shown he can be an asset on special teams, which hurts.

Proehl was signed to the Rams practice squad last October. That might be where he returns.