Los Angeles Rams Week 1 rookie report

It was a hot and muggy day in Charlotte, North Carolina. Maybe, just maybe, the weather played into the Rams’ offensive sluggish start (in addition to the opening-day rust as well).

In the aftermath, the Los Angeles Rams emerged victorious over the Carolina Panthers, 30-27, at the BoA.

Here are my rookie reports:

(Author’s note: Let me preface this by stating this: Week 1’s grades are full of INC incompletes and N/A not applicable. Its only fair. Some of the rookies were inactive. Others, the sample size too small)

Rookie Report

S Taylor Rapp

T-Rapp was involved early and often — not a surprise whatsoever. He ended the outing with eight total tackles, four of them solo. Rapp flourished in his role was the Nickel LB, staying close to the line of scrimmage and covering tight ends. He was in on 32 snaps (48% of the defensive snaps), surpassing LB Bryce Hager (25 snaps, 37%).

Taylor will only improve in his role, and as his responsibilities increase. An overall solid debut.

Grade: B

RB Darrell Henderson Jr.

I noticed Darrell in on two snaps during the TE Tyler Higbee TD drive. He only carried the ball once, and netted zero carries. Not enough work for a grade.

Grade: INC

CB David Long Jr.

Long was one of the game day inactives. Not surprising considering the depth at the position.

Grade: N/A

OT Bobby Evans

Bobby E, like his draft class-mate David Long, was on the game day inactives list.

Grade: N/A

DT Greg Gaines

Big Greg Gaines was a surprise game day inactive. Especially since he was in the running for a timeshare at NT. Lets keep an eye on this for the weeks to come.

Grade: N/A

OT David Edwards

Big David did not enter the game on offense. Edwards did log in seven snaps on Coach Bones’ squad.

Grade: INC

S Nick Scott

Nick did not see the field on defense. He did, however, log in 28 snaps on ST. That is 80% of the special teams snaps. ST warrior fuh real!

Grade: C

LB Natrez Patrick

‘Trez did not get in on the defensive side of the ball. He did enter during special teams (19 snaps, 54%), and I even believe he drew a penalty. The flag on its own deserves lower merits.

Grade: D

WR Nsimba Webster

The Lion King did not dress for this game, as he was on the game day inactives list.

Grade: N/A

LB Troy Reeder

Like his fellow rookies, he was in on special teams (18 snaps, 51%). He did tally up a single tackle. Kudos.

Grade: C