Rams 53-man roster projection: Undrafted rookie OLB sneaks on

The Los Angeles Rams improved to 2-0 in the preseason with their win over the New Orleans Saints on Saturday, dominating from start to finish in the 34-0 victory. The Rams held out even more players than they did in the first preseason game, giving us further clarity on what the 53-man roster could look like when it's set next Sunday.

Desjuan Johnson, Ty Hamilton and Xavier Smith were among those who sat out the second preseason game after playing in the first, which is an indication that their roster spots are secured.

With just one week until final roster cuts, here's our latest projection for the Rams' initial 53-man squad, which features a couple of changes on defense.

Quarterback (3)

1. Matthew Stafford
2. Stetson Bennett
3. Ty Simpson

No changes here. Bennett played really well against the Saints and Simpson

did what he could with limited opportunities in the second half. Bennett is performing at a high enough level that he deserves keeping on the 53-man roster, especially considering he'd likely be claimed if cut.

Running back (4)

1. Kyren Williams
2. Blake Corum
3. Ronnie Rivers
4. Jarquez Hunter

Hunter put together a terrific performance against the Saints, rushing for 68 yards and a touchdown on only 12 carries, forcing a number of defenders to miss tackle attempts on him. Rivers sat out the game again and should be safe as the third running back, too.

Wide receiver (6)

1. Puka Nacua
2. Davante Adams
3. Jordan Whittington
4. Konata Mumpfield
5. Xavier Smith
6. CJ Daniels

The fact that Smith was held out of this game is a good sign for him. Whittington and Mumpfield also sat for the second straight week. Daniels had his best game yet and showed he could be a key contributor this season if called upon, catching eight passes for 68 yards.

Tight end (5)

1. Colby Parkinson
2. Tyler Higbee
3. Terrance Ferguson
4. Davis Allen
5. Max Klare

Allen should return from his injury soon, which will give the Rams five healthy tight ends again. Klare didn't stand out the way he did in the first game but he's not in any danger of losing his roster spot as a second-round rookie.

Offensive line (9)

1. LT Alaric Jackson
2. LG Steve Avila
3. C Coleman Shelton
4. RG Kevin Dotson
5. RT Warren McClendon Jr.
6. OT David Quessenberry
7. G/C Beaux Limmer
8. G/C Justin Dedich
9. G/T Keagen Trost

Dedich is expected to be back from the NFI list soon, and Sean McVay said Trost has a chance to be ready for Week 1. If Trost isn't back by then, he could start the season on injured reserve, which would open up a roster spot, but it seems like things are trending toward him being active early in the season as a backup at right tackle.

Defensive line (6)

1. DT Kobie Turner
2. NT Poona Ford
3. DL Tyler Davis
4. DE Braden Fiske
5. NT Tim Keenan III
6. DL Ty Hamilton

It's a little bit surprising that Hamilton sat out the second preseason game, but that's good news for the 2025 draft pick. He may have secured his roster spot, especially after being seen running with the first-team defense in Thursday's joint practice. Keenan's job should also be safe as a rookie but you never know.

Outside linebacker (5)

1. Myles Garrett
2. Byron Young
3. Josaiah Stewart
4. Desjuan Johnson
5. Wesley Bailey

In this projection, Bailey sneaks onto the 53-man roster after two strong performances in the preseason. He was especially dominant on Saturday, recording five tackles, four QB hits, a sack and a forced fumble. He's going to be a tough player to leave off the team, especially considering he could be claimed by another team off waivers. As mentioned, Johnson sat this game out, which is an indication that he's made the team.

Inside linebacker (4)

1. Nate Landman
2. Omar Speights
3. Shaun Dolac
4. Grant Stuard

It's unlikely this group is going to change at all in the next week, no matter what happens in the preseason finale. All four of these players have sat out the entire preseason and are in no danger of being cut.

Cornerback (4)

1. Trent McDuffie
2. Jaylen Watson
3. Emmanuel Forbes Jr.
4. Josh Wallace

After making the team in our previous projections, Cam Lampkin gets cut this time around to make room for Bailey. Four cornerbacks isn't a lot, so the Rams may not feel great about that number, but with the versatility of Lake, Wallace and Watson, there are a lot of options in the secondary. Plus, they can try to keep someone like Lampkin on the practice squad and elevate him during the year.

Safety (4)

1. Quentin Lake
2. Kam Curl
3. Kamren Kinchens
4. Jaylen McCollough

Alex Cook and Nick Andersen are two safeties who could make things interesting come roster time, as could Tanner Ingle for his special teams value. But in this projection, there simply isn't room for a fifth safety, so we're going to keep just four.

Special teams (3)

1. K Harrison Mevis
2. P Ethan Evans
3. LS Joe Cardona

The Rams' special teams unit is set with Mevis, Evans and Cardona.

This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: Rams 53-man roster projection: Undrafted rookie OLB sneaks on