4 players on the Rams

A lot of people are fans of the LA Rams, a team in the National Football League with at least one roster. As of now, that roster has some people on it. This is four of them.

Chandler Brewer, OL

I once knew a guy over in Arizona who used to make craft beer. This is not him. Also, that’s not true about me and the guy in Arizona, but if I did know a guy like that maybe this would be his name or the name of his company.

Brewer is a 6’5, 320 pound offensive lineman who went undrafted out of Middle Tennessee State in 2019. At his pro day, he did 34 reps on the bench and ran a 5.13 40-yard dash. Not invited to the combine, 34 reps would’ve tied Brewer for the second-most with first round pick Garrett Bradbury had he been invited.

The most reps went to Iosua Opeta of Weber State, who did an unbelievable 39. He is not in the NFL. So bench reps ... Well, any combine result for that matter.

Brewer was a four-year starter at guard and tackle for Middle Tennessee State, only missing one game and being named a team captain in his final two seasons. Here’s a short breakdown by Downtown Rams. Brewer appeared in seven games for the Rams last season and will compete to be a reserve, or potentially more, when camp opens.

Adonis Alexander, CB

I once knew an incredibly fit strength and conditioning coach named Alex but everyone called him — I forget.

Alexander was a three-year starter at Virginia Tech who was ruled academically ineligible before his senior season. He had six interceptions over his first two seasons with the Hokies. Washington drafted him in the sixth round of the 2018 supplemental draft and he made the practice squad, eventually being activated for nine games.

LA picked him up in 2019 and put him on their practice squad and he didn’t get into a game but he remains in the conversation.

Ramblin’ Fan had this to say about his versatility:

In the new scheme of defensive coordinator Brandon Staley, Adonis Alexander may be in for a bit of a promotion. Since the new philosophy is versatility and disguised defenses, Alexander’s ability to play either safety, cornerback or slot cornerback is vital. His height of 6-foot-3 makes him an ideal height to defend tight ends or tall receivers, and his tenure of two seasons with NFL team has simply added to his expertise.

While some have labeled cornerback as a need in the 2020 NFL Draft, I’m not convinced it’s an urgent as originally thought. After all, Alexander was originally projected as a third or fourth-round prospect in the 2018 NFL Draft but eventually entered the NFL via the 2018 supplemental draft. The Rams have not had an opportunity to see his play, but when fans see what he can do, they’ll truly love his physicality.

Jake McQuaide, LS

Well, let’s see. Uhhh ... I once knew a guy who took Dennis and Randy to get a Happy Meal and his name was Jake? OK, some of you never wanted this line of wordplay and I understand.

Most of you already know that McQuaide has been the team’s only long snapper since 2011. He is a two-time Pro Bowler and he will be a free agent in 2021 unless he signs another extension.

Brycen Hopkins, TE

Something something a vacuum cleaner but it somehow starts with “Br” like (a knockoff vacuum cleaner named Brycen) and then Dustin Hopkins, perhaps a reference to the movie Hook. There you go.

Hopkins is a fourth round rookie out of Purdue and he’ll look to add his name to the list of Jared Goff’s receiving threats in 2020, perhaps allowing the team to peacefully part with Gerald Everett when he becomes a free agent in 2021.

I wrote a lot more about him here.

Undeniably, all of these players are on the LA Rams right now.