Commentary

The Los Angeles Rams assign ten players to the practice squad

The Los Angeles Rams made some surprise cuts when they trimmed the roster down to 53 players. Some of the young players were assigned to the practice squad, but can still be snatched up by any team. This may be the most talented practice squad the Rams have had in a while.

OT Isaiah Battle

It comes as no surprise that Isaiah Battle made it to the practice squad. The former top pick in the 2015 Supplemental Draft did show signs of improvement, but still struggled a bit. Battle has potential and a ton of upside, so the Rams are willing to be patient. If he lives up to expectations, Battle could contribute as a starter at some point, but he isn’t ready yet.

DB Blake Countess

Blake Countess was selected in the sixth round (196th overall) of the 2016 NFL draft by the Philadelphia Eagles, but didn’t make the team in the final round of cuts. Countess can play safety and cornerback, and does pretty well in coverage. The former Auburn Tiger does well covering in short bursts, but struggles if plays are extended. He isn’t a great tackler, but the Rams do have a need for cover corners.

WR Paul McRoberts

The Rams had to make some tough choices, and wide receivers were among the toughest cuts. Paul McRoberts was likely considered to make the roster, but he wasn’t consistent during the preseason. Still, some of the wide receivers that did actually make the roster better play hard, because McRoberts is still an option if they drop too many passes.

RB Aaron Green

One of the surprise cuts had to be Aaron Green. The Rams opted for Chase Reynold’s experience and special teams contributions. The Rams do have some solid depth behind Gurley despite the absence of Tre Mason. However, if an injury occurs, expect Green to be promoted and possibly contribute.

RB Terrence Magee

While it came as no surprise that Terrence Magee didn’t make the roster, it was undeniable that he has potential. The Rams just happened to be deep at running back this year so Magee didn’t really have a chance. He didn’t really begin to show his potential until the last two games of the season when he received more opportunities. Another solid option if the Rams are hit with injuries.

LB Brandon Chubb

If we see anyone move up from the practice squad this year it will likely be Brandon Chubb. The Rams are extremely thin at linebacker, and one injury to the starters could be devastating to the entire defense. Chubb has potential, but was inconsistent during the preseason, which is why the Rams opted to place him on the practice squad.

DE Morgan Fox

Some may have been surprised by Morgan Fox being cut, but the reality is that the defensive line is deep with talent. It likely hurt the front office to cut Fox, but thankfully he was assigned to the practice squad for now. Fox performed well in the final two games of the preseason, but it just wasn’t enough to make the roster.

CB Mike Jordan

Cornerback is another thin position on defense for the Rams, which explains the need to keep Mike Jordan. He has potential, but needs to become more aggressive in all aspects of his game. Tackling in particular he didn’t seem to attack, but waited to bring down the offensive player, which resulted in many missed tackles.

S Isaiah Johnson

Originally picked up by the Detroit Lions as an undrafted free agent out of Georgia Tech, Isaiah Johnson is more suited to a strong safety role. Strong tackler and an intelligent athlete that knows how to approach blitzes and can make plays closer to the line of scrimmage. He does need a ton of work on coverage, and would likely be asked to have a limited role at this stage of his career.

TE Bryce Williams 

Bryce Williams was signed by the New England Patriots as undrafted free agent out of East Carolina. What’s particularly intriguing about Williams is his size, standing at 6’6″ and weighing about 250 pounds. He’s an amazing pass catching tight end, and did well during the Patriots’ training camp until sustaining an injury, and couldn’t keep up with the competition. He does need to work on his route running and it’s uncertain if his blocking skills will ever be enough on the next level.

Source: Spotrac.com

You can follow Johnny Gomez on Twitter @Johnny5not6. Be sure to follow Rams Talk on Twitter @TalkRams.

 

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