Training camp and the preseason showed just how much depth the Los Angeles Rams have across their roster. It's not just that their starting lineup is great. They have quality players on the second unit, too.
It's why their 53-man roster is going to be so difficult to construct. There are a lot of good players who will need to be cut, simply because it's a numbers game and only 53 guys can make the team.
In our latest roster projection, these were the five toughest players to cut.
RB Dean Connors
Connors has a legitimate case to make the 53-man roster, especially after the team traded away Jarquez Hunter. It's possible, if not probable, that he'll be claimed off waivers if the Rams cut him, too. But given how heavily the Rams lean on Kyren Williams and Blake Corum
– other running backs had nine total carries for LA last season – they can get away with only carrying three on the initial roster.
G Bill Murray
Murray played outstanding this preseason, grading out as the Rams' best offensive player at PFF, and by a wide margin. He allowed zero pressures, zero sacks and had a 76.6 run-blocking grade. He was a stud at guard and made a strong case for the Rams' 53-man roster.
Unfortunately for him, the O-line is already deep when healthy, so there probably isn't room for him.
DT Tim Keenan III
It's not unprecedented for a rookie draft pick to be cut before Week 1, so Keenan wouldn't be the first. It would be disappointing, sure, but not out of the ordinary. He underperformed in the preseason and plays a position that's a strength of the team. Ty Hamilton seems like a lock to be the fifth defensive lineman, and that's before even accounting for a possible Aaron Donald return.
S Nick Andersen
Andersen was a standout player this preseason, even in Thursday's finale when he played just eight snaps. He recovered a fumble on the second play of the game, darting to the ball after Justin Herbert's botched handoff. The fact that he only got eight snaps after being a starter is a good sign for him, potentially that he even locked up a roster spot.
With only four safeties looking like locks to make the team, Andersen could be the fifth.
S Tanner Ingle
Ingle is another player who will be tough to cut. It's not that he excelled at safety this preseason, but because he brings special teams value, and the Rams are emphasizing the importance of that unit. Ingle would probably clear waivers if he's cut, but if the Rams want more special teams and safety depth, he's someone they could keep.
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: 5 toughest cuts from our final Rams 53-man roster projection
