2017-Present - McVay's run

L.A. Rams 2017 53-man roster announced

The Los Angeles Rams set their 53-man roster on Saturday, September 2. The roster presents a couple of significant changes, but there are few eye-openers to keep fans on their toes entering Week 1.

Quarterbacks

  1. Jared Goff
  2. Sean Mannion

It’s not surprising at all that the Rams decided to go with two quarterbacks instead of three. Mannion is a solid backup to Goff, and Dan Orlovsky didn’t help his cause in the final preseason game against the Green Bay Packers. In a pinch, punter Johnny Hekker might be able to step in.

Running backs

  1. Todd Gurley
  2. Malcolm Brown
  3. Justin Davis

These three running backs making the team shouldn’t surprise anyone. Actually, it’s a tiny bit surprising that the Rams opted go with three running backs instead of four, especially since Aaron Green is talented enough. However, the team’s reasoning becomes more clear when looking at the rest of the roster. Expect the Rams to sign Green to the practice squad. Unfortunately, Lance Dunbar is done for the year due to an injury.

Wide Receivers

  1. Sammy Watkins
  2. Robert Woods
  3. Tavon Austin
  4. Cooper Kupp
  5. Josh Reynolds
  6. Pharoh Cooper

This was likely a difficult decision for general manager Les Snead, especially with the addition of Sammy Watkins. One of the tough cuts was last year’s preseason hero, Nelson Spruce. Unfortunately, he didn’t play during the regular season last year due to injuries, and he caught the injury bug again this preseason. Spruce may still go on the practice squad. The other receivers couldn’t touch this squad.

Tight Ends

  1. Tyler Higbee
  2. Gerald Everett
  3. Derek Carrier
  4. Johnny Mundt

Fullback don’t seem to exist under this offensive scheme or at least in an official capacity. That means 2017 sixth round draft pick Sam Rogers was cut in favor of the newly-acquired Carrier. The former Washington Redskins tight end was traded to the Rams earlier today for a 2018 seventh round draft pick. Head coach Sean McVay is familiar with Carrier, coaching him for two seasons, and he is expected to serve primarily as a blocker. Cory Harkey didn’t make the cut either. Expect McVay to get creative with this corps of tight ends.

Offensive Linemen

  1. Andrew Whitworth
  2. Rob Havenstein
  3. Rodger Saffold
  4. Jamon Brown
  5. John Sullivan
  6. Andrew Donnal
  7. Austin Blythe
  8. Darrell Williams

Nothing too surprising here. About the biggest cut was Cody Wichmann, but he was more of an injury waive. Pace Murphy and Jake Eldrenkamp disappointed during the preseason. Still, all three players have potential, so expect at least one of them to be signed to the practice squad.

Defensive Linemen

  1. Ethan Westbrooks
  2. Aaron Donald
  3. Michael Brockers
  4. Tyrunn Walker
  5. Tanzel Smart
  6. Louis Trinca-Pasat
  7. Morgan Fox
  8. Matt Longacre

The biggest story of this position category is Donald’s holdout. While the roster claims to have eight defensive linemen, it might as well be seven since it appears both the Rams and Donald aren’t close to an agreement.

Linebackers

  1. Robert Quinn
  2. Connor Barwin
  3. Mark Barron
  4. Alec Ogletree
  5. Ejuan Price
  6. Samson Ebukam
  7. Bryce Hager
  8. Cory Littleton
  9. Nicholas Grigsby

One of the most shocking cuts was Josh Forrest, although he was an injury waive. Forrest had a promising rookie campaign before cutting his season short with an injury. He showed some promise again during the preseason, but the injury bug crept up on him as well. Chances are the injury might be too severe, but the Rams should consider him for at least the practice squad spot if he heals soon.

Cornerbacks

  1. Trumaine Johnson
  2. Kayvon Webster
  3. Nickell Robey-Coleman
  4. Kevin Peterson
  5. Dominique Hatfield

Top priority for the practice squad is Michael Jordan. Jordan is by far the most shocking cut, especially considering on how thin the Rams are at cornerback. He wasn’t flawless this preseason, but he did enough to at least make the practice squad if he isn’t snatched up by another team.

Safeties

  1. Maurice Alexander
  2. Lamarcus Joyner
  3. Cody Davis
  4. John Johnson
  5. Blake Countess
  6. Marqui Christian

Nothing too earth-shattering here. There were issues with this group, especially with downfield coverage, so I wouldn’t be surprised if more roster changes are forthcoming. Then again, it is only preseason, and defensive coordinator Wade Phillips was running a simplified defense. Expect much more blitzes during the regular season.

Special Teams

  1. Greg Zuerlein
  2. Johnny Hekker
  3. Jake McQuaide

And the untouchables to wrap up the Rams’ 53-man roster. What was the biggest surprise to you? Let us know.

Source: Spotrac.com, Twitter.com

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

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