2012-2016- The Fisher Era

Offseason 2016: Five underappreciated players on the L.A. Rams

It may surprise some people, but the Los Angeles Rams have quite a few unrecognized talents on offense. These are guys that often go underappreciated or completely unnoticed, but if you really pay attention to the game, you will definitely spot them.

FB/TE Cory Harkey

Harkey started as a situational blocking tight end, but his main job now is the underappreciated fullback position. Harkey has been with the Rams since 2012, and has helped pave the way for running backs like Darryl Richardson, Zac Stacy, Tre Mason and now Todd Gurley. Let’s think about it for a second, Richardson and Stacy are no longer part of the team, but these were guys that did relatively well while with the Rams only for them to become irrelevant with other teams. I’m not saying that Harkey was solely responsible for their success, but he did have a large role in creating some space for those running backs. I’m sure Gurley is happy to have him back for the 2016 season.

OG Jamon Brown

It might seem unusual for Brown to be on this list, but I feel people compliment offensive tackle Rob Havenstein more than Brown. It’s not to say that Brown was perfect in his rookie year, because he did make his fair share of mistakes, but keep in mind that he still started as a rookie third round draft pick. He was better than average, and he can only get better. There was little denying that Brown was progressing as the season progressed until he broke his leg. It will be interesting to see his growth continue in 2016. I believe we have a solid guard on our roster.

QB Case Keenum

Before you start screaming at your mobile device or computer, keep in mind that I am not referring to Keenum as a starter. Keenum is bashed quite frequently, because his game is limited to short-mid ranged passes, which are obviously not the qualities that are desired in a starting quarterback. In a reserved role, Keenum is exactly the veteran you want on your roster. He’s confident, experienced and a team player.

For most teams, once their starter is out or just cannot perform, their season is over. Keenum kept the Rams in games last year and provided the team with a better chance to win than Nick Foles. Ridicule him all you want, but the Rams are lucky to have him in case Jared Goff sustains an injury or isn’t what the Rams expected.

RB Benny Cunningham

Ever since Gurley bulldozed his way into a Rams uniform, many fans have forgotten about Cunningham. However, he is one of the most underrated signings of the offseason. Cunningham is an intelligent running back, who is also an asset in the passing game. He’s not afraid to do a little blocking and is the next most reliable running back. Also keep in mind with Tre Mason’s legal issues, because the Rams may not have his services for some games, and quite possibly the Rams could decide to cut him if it’s for a long period of time. Look for Cunningham to have an expanded role in 2016.

OG Cody Wichmann

It’s not often that I get excited over a backup guard with only seven games under his belt, Cody Wichmann has overcome incredible odds. First, he had to make the roster, and that isn’t easy for later round draft picks. Then he had to wait for Brown and Andrew Donnal to get hurt for his opportunity. Wichmann actually proved that he was a decent option, and while he wasn’t perfect, he gave some solid performances.

In fact, Wichmann was so good that if the Rams decided to cut Rodger Saffold to make room in the salary cap, I would be fine with that. Wichmann is another up-and-coming offense lineman. Cutting Saffold could be a possibility for next season, because LB Alec Ogletree, CB Trumaine Johnson and DT Michael Brockers are free agents. The Rams may use all of their cap space to keep them. Saffold is a solid guard when healthy, but he has proven to be injury prone. Wichmann may just be the starter to replace him.

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

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