Two more games remain this season as the Los Angeles Rams work on the depth of their team. With the majority of the starters sitting the first two preseason games, it’s uncertain how many starters will be in action tomorrow.
So for the roster depth, the time to impress is now.
With the end in sight, I decided to include more players that need to impress if they are going to make the roster.
Offense
Quarterback: Brandon Allen & Luis Perez
Allen played well in the opener but looked pretty bad last week. He was not decisive and it was just a bad day at the office. If the play continues it makes it harder to see the Rams carrying three mediocre QB’s with no upside. Also, Perez still has not played a snap in the preseason. So either the Rams really liked what they see in him during camp, or he is just a camp arm.
Wide Receiver: KhaDarel Hodge & JoJo Natson
Both of these receivers impressed in different phases of football games, however with the depth of receiver it will be interesting to see if one of these players find a way to stick on the 53-man roster. My guess is that both players will wind up on the practice squad.
Natson has impressed on returns so much so that if the Rams did not have a Pro Bowl returner in KR/PR/WR Pharoh Cooper, Natson would have a great chance to make the cut.
Hodge is 6-foot-2 and 205 pounds, and he has played like a playmaker. He is a physical receiver that makes contested catches, there’s always a place for that type of receiver. If the Rams were on HBO’s Hard Knocks this season, he would be the star UDFA that fans love. Currently he has four catches and 71 yards on the preseason.
Offensive line: OT Cornelius Lucas & Darrell Williams
Neither veteran tackle has been impressive thus far, and honestly they do not offer much upside. I believe that one of these players will make the roster, maybe both because the depth at tackle is not great. However, the Rams have two impressive rookies and could release both of their veterans here. Both of them need to perform and make themselves unnoticeable and maybe they both will have a chance.
Defense
Linebacker: Edge Trevon Young & ILB Travin Howard
Let’s start with the rookies on the bubble. Howard has been unlucky missing the entire preseason thus far with an injury and will have an uphill battle trying to upset ILB Micah Kiser and LB Tegray Scales two rookies who have already impressed as inside linebackers. Fellow rookie Young has flashed pass rush ability but nothing to keep him completely safe yet.
Secondary: S Nate Holley
This rookie have been balling this preseason, and both safeties look very talented. Nate Holley and his twin brother, RB Nick Holley, are attempting to make the Rams’ roster. The former Kent State safety was known to be a solid tackler and not only has he displayed that ability in the pros but he’s also shown well in coverage as well, especially considering his near interception against the Oakland Raiders.
Are there any additional players that are on the roster bubble that need to impress the next couple of weeks to make the roster? Which longshot will make the roster?