Yesterday afternoon the Los Angeles Rams trimmed their roster to the NFL requirement of 53 players for the regular season. Les Snead, Sean McVay, and the Rams staff had some difficult decisions to make after a long summer of OTAs, training camp, and a three-game set in the preseason. Kevin Demoff acknowledged that this team is the deepest and one of the most talented Rams teams since their return to Los Angeles. With that being said, the brass do to let go of some talented young names in the end.
Winner: Shaun Dolac, ILB
Dolac was the only undrafted free agent to make the 53-man roster. After two weeks of preseason action, it became clear that he was a keeper for the inside-linebacker position group. Recently, he did not play a single snap in the final preseason game AND he was seen getting first-team defensive reps. It might not be long until he overtakes Omar Speights to pair with Nate Landman.
Loser: Willie Lampkin IV, iOL
I’ll start with this: I don’t think we have seen the last of Willie Lampkin in a Rams uniform. I think the Rams made a strategic move to cut him; knowing that his current injuries will make it very unlikely for a team to claim him off waivers. It’s a risky move if there is a team that needs interior offensive line help or wants to rebuild for another year or two. Regardless, for Willie Lampkin, it’s disappointing to fall short of his goal from this summer. Rams fans surely thought that he & Dolac were locks for the roster despite their undrafted status.
Winner: Josh Wallace, DB
Keeping with the theme of undrafted free agents, Wallace made the team out of camp last year as one. Once again, he finds himself on the 53-man despite a crowded room. The Rams even added Emmanuel Forbes mid-season last year so it was never a guarantee for Wallace to be on team again. He also held off Derion Kendrick, who was a 6th rounder for the team in 2022.
Loser: Cody Schrader, RB
Schrader was one of the preseasons best running backs. But due to the Sean McVay’s nature to not use a timeshare at running back, Schrader was never going to see time there barring injuries. The shock here is that Schrader does provide special teams value and was the team’s second highest-graded player in the preseason.
Winner: Xavier Smith, WR
The Rams always seem to have a surplus at the WR position after the preseason. Xavier Smith showed that he belonged on the team despite being behind Adams, Nacua, Whittington, and Mumpfield. Smith’s value on special teams as a punt returner might have been the driving factor in the final decision process.
Loser: Britain Covey & Brennan Presley, WRs
Covey was projected to be a special teams contributor and Presley was fourth in the NFL preseason for receiving yards. Alas, neither will suit up as Mumpfield and Smith got the nod as WR5 and WR6.
Winner / Loser : Troy Reeder, ILB / Rams Fans that hate Reeder
We’ll end with a fun one. Troy Reeder made the team’s 53 man roster. I don’t believe for a minute that this was for the inside linebacker position. I believe this was for special teams. Reeder has played special teams for the Rams since 2019. His experience there likely gave him a leg up on rookies and second year players trying to make the team. Like or not Rams fans, special teams matter.
Loser: Chris Paul Jr., ILB
Rams fans were hoping that Chris “Pooh” Paul Jr. would make the team for his potential. But with Nate Landman and Omar Speights grabbing the starting roles in OTAs and training camp. Pooh Paul was behind from the get go. It did not help matters that “Pooh” missed a few days during training camp because of a calf injury. Those are valuable days for a rookie especially in joint practice sessions. Like Willie Lampkin IV, I strongly believe that the Rams want to bring him back. It’s completely up to him though if he thinks he has a better shot with joining another team. Unfortunately, I think he will get claimed.
Sean McVay addressed the media today acknowledging there were a lot of tough decisions. And sometimes they don’t get the decisions right in the end. But I have to agree with Kevin Demoff, the team that this front office has assembled has me excited for the regular season!
