The Los Angeles Rams have finalized their 53-man roster, a process that involves reducing the number of players from training camp to a competitive team by Sunday's deadline. General manager Les Snead and coach Sean McVay faced numerous challenging decisions as they transitioned from a full training camp roster to the final team. Some players who do not make the cut may be signed to the practice squad if they clear waivers, while others might not play in the NFL again.
The Rams' roster construction this season is geared towards contending for a Super Bowl. However, the team's plans are complicated by the pending decision of defensive tackle Aaron Donald on whether to return for another season. Additionally, potential NFL discipline for wide receiver Puka Nacua and offensive lineman Alaric Jackson could necessitate further roster adjustments.
Quarterbacks
Matthew Stafford, Stetson Bennett, and Ty Simpson are projected to fill the three quarterback spots. While Stafford is the clear starter, McVay has not definitively named a backup between Bennett and Simpson. Bennett has received more second-team practice repetitions throughout training camp and often stepped in for Stafford. Simpson, however, started the preseason finale against the Chargers, a move McVay has previously used to signal players who might not be needed for the regular season.
Running Backs
The team's decision on running backs Kyren Williams, Blake Corum, and Ronnie Rivers was influenced by a trade that sent Jarquez Hunter to Miami for Tutu Atwell. Undrafted rookie Dean Connors also made a strong impression during the preseason. Williams and Corum are established players, and Rivers is valued for his special teams contributions.
Wide Receivers
The projected seven wide receivers are Puka Nacua, Davante Adams, Jordan Whittington, Xavier Smith, Konata Mumpfield, Tutu Atwell, and CJ Daniels. Nacua and Adams are considered star players. Whittington has become a key offensive player, and Smith offers speed and return capabilities. Mumpfield has also shown enough to warrant a roster spot. The recent acquisition of Atwell, which McVay stated was not linked to potential Nacua discipline, adds depth. Daniels earned his place on the roster through his performance in the final two preseason games.
Tight Ends
Los Angeles is carrying five tight ends: Tyler Higbee, Colby Parkinson, Davis Allen, Terrance Ferguson, and Max Klare. This decision reflects the Rams' increased use of multiple tight end formations. The depth at this position provides McVay with personnel to utilize 13 personnel packages more frequently.
Offensive Linemen
The offensive line group includes Alaric Jackson, Steve Avila, Coleman Shelton, Kevin Dotson, Warren McClendon Jr., David Quessenberry, Beaux Limmer, Keagen Trost, Dylan McMahon, and Justin Dedich. The potential discipline for Jackson highlights the importance of depth at this position. The projected starting five consists of Jackson, Avila, Shelton, Dotson, and McClendon. Quessenberry provides veteran experience at tackle, Limmer offers interior flexibility, and Trost has developmental value despite a hamstring injury. Dedich's hand injury adds another layer to the offensive line decisions.
Defensive Linemen
The defensive line features Kobie Turner, Braden Fiske, Poona Ford, Tyler Davis, and Tim Keenan. Turner, Fiske, and Ford form a strong interior rotation. Davis provides depth, and Keenan, a seventh-round pick, secures the final spot. The potential return of Aaron Donald would likely impact Keenan's roster status.
Outside Linebackers
This group includes Myles Garrett, Byron Young, Josaiah Stewart, Desjuan Johnson, and Wesley Bailey. Bailey, an undrafted rookie, has made a case for a roster spot with his preseason performance. Garrett and Young are expected to be the starting outside linebackers, Stewart is seen as part of the team's future, and Johnson brings positional versatility. Bailey's inclusion is considered a wild card.
Inside Linebackers
Nate Landman, Omar Speights, Shaun Dolac, and Grant Stuard are the inside linebackers. Landman and Speights are expected to be key contributors to the defense. Dolac represents a young player for development, and Stuard's value on special teams makes him a candidate for the bottom of the roster.
Cornerbacks
The cornerback group comprises Trent McDuffie, Jaylen Watson, Emmanuel Forbes Jr., and Josh Wallace. McDuffie and Watson have been impactful additions to the secondary. Forbes possesses significant talent, and Wallace has demonstrated versatility by playing multiple positions during training camp. Cam Lampkin is projected to be on the outside of the roster but could be a practice squad target.
Safeties
Quentin Lake, Kam Curl, Kamren Kinchens, and Jaylen McCollough make up the safety group. Lake is expected to remain a key communicator and captain. Curl offers versatility, Kinchens is anticipated to have a strong season, and McCollough rounds out a deep position group.
Specialists
Specialists include kicker Harrison Mevis, punter Ethan Evans, and long snapper Joe Cardona. The team aims for improved consistency in special teams after a challenging previous season. An international player, Jack Bouwmeester, is also on the roster.
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