Around this time each year, teams make surprising decisions during final roster cuts. Players whose roster spots seemed safe get cut and sent to waivers, shocking the fanbase. The Los Angeles Rams aren't immune to making unexpected decisions, with the release of John Franklin-Myers in 2019 immediately coming to mind.
The Rams' roster is mostly set in the eyes of Sean McVay and Les Snead, but fans may have different expectations for who Los Angeles will keep. These five players have a good chance to make the team, but they could wind up being surprise cuts by the Rams.
WR Xavier Smith
Sean McVay suggested that Tutu Atwell's arrival won't affect any of the receivers who were previously set to make the 53-man roster, hinting at "semantics" that will show how the team
can get creative to onboard Atwell. Does that mean the Rams will cut Smith and plan to sneak him onto the practice squad? It's possible.
Smith played in the first preseason game but sat out the last two contests, which is usually good news. But the Rams probably know Atwell won't clear waivers, whereas Smith will – even if they expect Smith to potentially have a bigger role.
WR CJ Daniels
There was a lot of excitement about Daniels entering training camp and the preseason, and while he didn't do anything wrong this summer, the Rams' depth at wide receiver is great – especially with Atwell back. Plus, it's a little bit concerning that he played so deep into the final preseason game.
As a sixth-round rookie, he should make the team, but by no means is his spot secured.
NT Tim Keenan III
Keenan didn't play very well in the preseason, but he was on the field a lot. That's not a good combination. He's strictly a nose tackle who didn't offer much as a pass rusher in the preseason, generating just one pressure in three games, which was a sack.
Seventh-round rookies get cut by teams all the time, and Keenan could be the next. Aaron Donald's potential return could impact Keenan's status, too.
DL Ty Hamilton
The Rams traded up to draft Hamilton in the fifth round last year, giving up a 2026 fourth-rounder to go up and get him. After a disappointing rookie year, Hamilton seemingly took the necessary next steps, getting the final two preseason games off like many other established players do.
Still, it's possible the Rams will cut Hamilton if they feel they need more depth elsewhere. And as with Keenan, Donald's decision could affect the Rams' plans for Hamilton.
OLB Desjuan Johnson
Johnson flashed at the end of last season and played well in the first preseason game before being held out of the final two games this summer. He's been projected as the fourth edge rusher on the depth chart, but sitting out two preseason games doesn't ensure he'll make the team, despite him being very likely to make it.
Wesley Bailey was outstanding in the preseason and could potentially bump Johnson off the roster. The Rams may believe they can waive Johnson and get him on the practice squad more easily than they could with Bailey.
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: 5 potential surprise cuts by Rams: 2 rookie draft picks in danger?
