Random Ramsdom, 8/20: The Kiser Conundrum

3 Rams who need to step up the most following Micah Kiser injury | Ramblin’ Fan

With the news that projected starter ILB Micah Kiser may miss the entire season, the Rams will look to their depth chart first. Is Bryce Hager an NFL starter? I’m not sure many of us really want to find out.

Micah Kiser’s absence won’t make or break Rams defense | RamsWire

Let’s face it: Kiser remains an unproven talent, and though he had a nice college career, we shouldn’t be losing sleep. With ILB Dakota Allen looking like a real find in the preseason and S Taylor Rapp’s versatility, it’s time for the next man to step up.

4 free agent linebackers Rams could sign to replace Micah Kiser | RamsWire

Should the Rams really value a veteran presence alongside Cory Littleton, a few reasonably priced, experienced free agents remain options. Cam DaSilva lists a few guys our own Sosa Kremenjas didn’t. Check it out.

Dakota Allen’s NFL draft profile | NFL.com
Just in case you don’t know much about the rollercoaster college career of preseason darling Dakota Allen, here’s his draft profile. He projects as a fringe guy, but thus far has looked more like a freight train.

Natrez Patrick shines against Cowboys | Rams Official

Los Angeles Rams: Natrez Patrick pushing for a roster spot | FanSided

Another fun offseason storyline is the emergence of former Georgia linebacker Natrez Patrick. Off the field problems. Iffy measurables. Not much ink on the stat sheet. Looks like a total stud. His draft profile is here.

Hardy, oldest USC and Rams player, dies at 96 | ESPN

The QB played for the Rams in their inaugural season. I’m pretty sure some TST readers (and writers cough cough Prof) remember him well.

Ogbonnia Okoronkwo is back from injury and hoping to make Rams’ linebackers crew | LA Times

Will the Rams’ patience in former Oklahoma Sooner Ogbonnia Okoronkwo finally be rewarded? He sure looked like a handful in Hawaii on Saturday.

Los Angeles Rams Rookie Taylor Rapp Aims to Show ‘Asians Can Play’ in the NFL | NextShark

Through two preseason games, Rapp has looked fantastic. Tackling is a bit of a lost art in the NFL, and the kid, Asian or otherwise, simply knows how to get a man down on the ground.

Young DBs forcing Rams to make difficult decisions in secondary | RamsWire

Unexpectedly, the Rams are suddenly brimming with promise in the secondary. Late round picks, UDFAs and some returning talent are all showing out. CBs Kevin Peterson, Darious Williams and Dont’e Deayon look great, as has S Steven Parker.

NFL preseason Week 2 takeaways: Jimmy G a bit rusty in first game back from injury | ESPN

It’s sad to see Jiminy Gripaloaf struggle so mightily this preseason. Dude was 1-for-6 for 0 yards and an INT last night. Does it matter? No. But does he look beyond rusty in his return from injury? He sure does.