Post-training camp 2019 Los Angeles Rams depth chart review, 53-man roster projection

Now that training camp is over, I’m updating my 2019 Los Angeles Rams 53-man roster projection.

Position parentheticals denote the number of players at the position that make the 53-man. Rookies and undrafted rookies are also noted in parentheses.

Previous projections

• April 29, post-2019 NFL Draft
• June 13, post-minicamp
• July 27, pre-training camp

QB (2)

In: Jared Goff, Blake Bortles
Out: Brandon Allen, John Wolford
Changes from last projection: N/A

Going to be a very important preseason for Allen and Wolford. There are much hungrier teams around the NFL for talent; they might be able to latch on with some good showings.

RB (4)

In: Todd Gurley, Darrell Henderson (rookie), Malcolm Brown, John Kelly
Out: Justin Davis, Matt Colburn (UDFA)
Changes from last projection: N/A

Tempted to switch Kelly out for Davis as the latter was preferred for special teams. But with Brown back and possibly going to a special teams-only role, I wonder if Davis’ value on teams is lessened a bit allowing Special Teams Coordinator John Fassel to pick up his snaps elsewhere.

WR (6)

In: Brandin Cooks, Robert Woods, Cooper Kupp, Josh Reynolds, JoJo Natson, Mike Thomas
Out: , KhaDarel Hodge, Austin Proehl, Alex Bachman (UDFA), Nsimba Webster (UDFA), WR Johnathan Lloyd (UDFA)
Changes from last projection: Thomas IN, Hodge OUT

Mike Thomas had a good camp. Those things tend to matter.

TE/FB (3)

In: Gerald Everett, Tyler Higbee, Keenen Brown (UDFA)
Out: Johnny Mundt, Romello Brooker (UDFA), Kendall Blanton (UDFA)
Changes from last projection: N/A

This one’s tougher to parse among the tight end depth. I’ve had Brown here just based on what I saw from him in college, but this should be decided over the next four weeks.

OL (9)

In: Andrew Whitworth, Rob Havenstein, Joseph Noteboom, Brian Allen, Austin Blythe, Bobby Evans (rookie), David Edwards (rookie), Jamil Demby, Aaron Neary
Out: Jeremiah Kolone, Chandler Brewer (UDFA), Vitas Hrynkiewicz (UDFA), Brandon Hitner (UDFA), Matt Kaskey (UDFA)
Changes from last projection: N/A

Really eager to see the depth get their work throughout August and see how things shake out because of it. There is absolutely opportunity to get a roster spot here for someone who has a good month.

DL (5)

In: Aaron Donald, Michael Brockers, Sebastian Joseph-Day, John Franklin-Myers, Greg Gaines (rookie)
Out: Tanzel Smart, Bryant Jones (UDFA), Marquise Copeland (UDFA), Boogie Roberts (UDFA)
Changes from last projection: N/A

Starting to feel more certainty with this quintet especially with Smart still holding a year of PS eligibility.

LB (9)

In: Clay Matthews, Micah Kiser, Cory Littleton, Samson Ebukam, Dante Fowler, Jr., Bryce Hager, Morgan Fox, Dakota Allen (rookie), Justin Lawler
Out: Ogbonnia Okoronkwo, Trevon Young, Troy Reeder (UDFA), Natrez Patrick (UDFA), Josh Carraway, Landis Durham (UDFA)
Changes from last projection: Lawler IN, Okoronkwo OUT

I’ll go ahead and drop Obo simply because he’s missed time again, and I wonder if that’s going to affect his play even when he does get back. I was excited for him this year, but sometimes injuries just win out. The problem is now, he’s going to be motivated to rush back and aside from the potential to worsen his injury or pick up other aliments because of whatever’s he suffering from, there’s also the likelihood that he won’t play his football if he’s not 100%.

Sucks, but such is the game.

CB (6)

In: Marcus Peters, Aqib Talib, Nickell Robey-Coleman, David Long (rookie), Troy Hill, Dominique Hatfield
Out: Kevin Peterson, Darious Williams, Donte Deayon, Ramon Richards
Changes from last projection: N/A

Much like the offensive line, this is an area with legitimate opportunity. This one certainly offers special teams viability to boot.

S (6)

In: John Johnson III, Eric Weddle, Taylor Rapp (rookie), Marqui Christian, Nick Scott (rookie), Travin Howard
Out: Steven Parker
Changes from last projection: N/A

Howard was listed on the depth chart as a LB yesterday, but it matters where he’s listed and even where he plays these next few games. It matters how he plays. I’ll buy on a plus month to get him in the mix and maybe even as defensive depth and not just special teams.

ST (3)

In: Greg Zuerlein, Johnny Hekker, Jake McQuaide
Out: N/A

FF >>

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So two changes. One due to Thomas’ work in camp, the other from Obo’s absences.

The real key is what happens this weekend and how it shuffles the depth among the roster rankings from, say, 40-90.