St. Louis Rams' Final Projected Roster/Wagoner

[RamBill]

St. Louis Rams' projected roster
By Nick Wagoner

http://espn.go.com/blog/st-louis-rams/post/_/id/10919/st-louis-rams-projected-roster-6

Examining the St. Louis Rams' roster:

(Note: WR Stedman Bailey is expected to make the team but is suspended for the first four games of the season and will not count on the initial 53-man roster.)

QUARTERBACKS (3)

Shaun Hill
Austin Davis
Garrett Gilbert

The devastating loss of quarterback Sam Bradford leaves the Rams with just the three players mentioned above on the roster. Davis is the No. 2 for now but the Rams will keep their eyes open for a veteran to add experience. These three could make the initial cut but the most likely scenario is they keep Hill and Davis and Gilbert goes to the practice squad after they locate a veteran.

RUNNING BACKS (4)

Zac Stacy
Benny Cunningham
Tre Mason
Trey Watts

Chase Reynolds is difficult to leave off because of his value on special teams, but Watts has just offered too much upside for the offense and willingness on special teams to be left off. It wouldn't surprise if the Rams kept both but it's hard to do this without at least including Watts.

RECEIVERS (5)

Kenny Britt
Brian Quick
Tavon Austin
Chris Givens
Austin Pettis


With Bailey suspended the first four weeks, the Rams could take a longer look at another wideout for the first quarter of the season but there isn't one who has really emerged as worthy. Givens reminded many why he deserves to stick against the Browns but Pettis has been nearly invisible. Without Bailey, it stands to reason Pettis would stay but upon Bailey's return, that could change.

TIGHT ENDS (4)

Jared Cook
Lance Kendricks
Cory Harkey
Justice Cunningham


The first three are probably pretty safe, but the Rams could have an intriguing competition for a potential fourth tight end if they opt to keep four. Cunningham versus Alex Bayer continues to be one of the more interesting battles on the roster. Cunningham is the better blocker, while Bayer has shown more as a pass-catcher. It's really difficult to determine which flavor the Rams prefer but I'm going back to Cunningham because of his value as a blocker on special teams.

OFFENSIVE LINEMEN (9)

Jake Long
Joe Barksdale
Scott Wells
Greg Robinson
Rodger Saffold
Davin Joseph
Travis Bond
Tim Barnes
Mike Person


The Rams have serious questions about their depth on the offensive line. Barrett Jones' situation remains in flux and few of the backups have stood out. It's hard to project the depth beyond Joseph and Barnes but the guess here is the Rams do something to stash Jones and save the roster spot then opt for Person and Bond in a tight race over Brandon Washington and Sean Hooey.

DEFENSIVE LINEMEN (9)

Chris Long
Robert Quinn
William Hayes
Eugene Sims
Michael Brockers
Kendall Langford
Aaron Donald
Alex Carrington
Ethan Westbrooks


This is the toughest decision on the roster right now. Westbrooks and Michael Sam have both done enough in camp and the preseason to stake a claim to a spot. At this point, it would be a surprise if Westbrooks didn't make it. Jeff Fisher has hinted at a different look in terms of roster composition this year and it's not out of the realm of possibility they could keep both. It's hard to project where they could chop elsewhere to create space, though. The other X factor here is the health of Hayes and Sims. Neither played against Miami and Hayes has yet to appear in a preseason game. Perhaps that could open the door for both Sam and Westbrooks to stay.

LINEBACKERS (6)

James Laurinaitis
Alec Ogletree
Jo-Lonn Dunbar
Ray-Ray Armstrong
Daren Bates
Phillip Steward


Barring injury, it's hard to imagine a scenario in which the first five don't make it. But the sixth spot is more of a question mark. That spot is anybody's guess. Steward stays there for now but Lawrence Wilson and Aaron Hill could surprise. And the Rams will definitely scour the waiver wire for others.

CORNERBACKS (6)

Janoris Jenkins
Trumaine Johnson
Lamarcus Joyner
Brandon McGee
E.J. Gaines
Marcus Roberson


With Johnson out four to six weeks, this looks like the spot that could keep Sam from making the roster. The Rams will have to carry Johnson on the roster but will probably need to keep another body for depth in the meantime. It's not easy to choose one from the group of Roberson, Greg Reid and Darren Woodard. Roberson has flashed the most in coverage, Reid is the best tackler and Woodard is sort of the happy medium between the two. We'll go with Roberson because he's gotten the most opportunities, an indication the coaching staff likes his potential.

SAFETIES (4)

T.J. McDonald
Rodney McLeod
Maurice Alexander
Cody Davis


Put simply, the Rams don't have anyone else who has showed enough to earn a spot and Joyner could play safety in a pinch. Alexander and Davis are core special-teams players.

SPECIALISTS (3)

Johnny Hekker
Greg Zuerlein
Jake McQuaide


These three are set in stone.

 

[LACHAMP46]

looks about right....a damn shame about Reid & Reynolds....I kinda liked Brandon Washington too...

 

[SierraRam]

Thanks for posting RamBill -

I'd be surprised if Bayer doesn't stick. He's looked good every time I've seen him. If we don't keep him, I have a feeling we'll be watching him do well for another team. And is McGee safe? Woodard and Reid have both made positive plays.

 

[JackDRams]

No, no, no, no, no. Why is everyone so obsessed with the idea of keeping the crappy Cunningham because of his blocking? The game of football has changed. A TE these days need to know how to catch. Blocking can be coached up. Cunninghams hands of stone, cant be fixed. He has little to no pass catching ability. Keep Bayer. If the fans can see that, people like RVB and Wagoner should too.

 

[junkman]

looks about right....a damn shame about Reid & Reynolds....I kinda liked Brandon Washington too...

Well, this was just Wagoner's opinion. But if this is how the chips fall...

Reid is a great story, so you really hope for the kid. The good news is that he will surely be on the Rams practice squad, which is falls into the enthusiastic "I'LL TAKE IT" category for any UDFA. Lots of NFL players come up from the practice squad (e.g. Cody Davis jumps to mind). Injuries are inevitably part of the game, which means that Reid would get more chances to make the 53.

I think Brandon Washington should still be practice squad eligible as well, even though he got some playing time last year with all the OL injuries.

 

[junkman]

I'm with @SierraRam and @JackDRams . Bayer over Cunningham.

Regadless of which "wins", the other will surely be given a practice squad offer, which for most unheralded UDFAs is fine. I do think if Bayer is put on the practice squad, some other team will sign him. TEs with natural route running / pass catching ability are in demand.

 

[CoachO]

No, no, no, no, no. Why is everyone so obsessed with the idea of keeping the crappy Cunningham because of his blocking? The game of football has changed. A TE these days need to know how to catch. Blocking can be coached up. Cunninghams hands of stone, cant be fixed. He has little to no pass catching ability. Keep Bayer. If the fans can see that, people like RVB and Wagoner should too.

I disagree with this all the way around. It is much more difficult to "teach" someone to be an effective point of attack blocker than it is for a player to "learn" to catch a football. There were a TON of people screaming at Kendricks for his "hands of stone" in his rookie year. But now, he is arguably the most reliable pass catcher on the team (of all the TEs). More often than not, drops have as much to do with the game slowing down for these kids, and is quite common for younger players (Austin, Quick).

Bayer will never be much more than average as a blocker, and in the role they are looking for as a 4th TE, they need more. I realize the choice will come down to those two, but comparing the roles in which they have been used in camp and preseason games is like comparing Cook to Harkey. Different positions, different roles. None of us really know which role the Rams want to go with.

 

[Billy Baroo]

Cunningham has showed nothing. Bayer will stick.

 

[fearsomefour]

St. Louis Rams' projected roster
By Nick Wagoner

http://espn.go.com/blog/st-louis-rams/post/_/id/10919/st-louis-rams-projected-roster-6

Examining the St. Louis Rams' roster:

(Note: WR Stedman Bailey is expected to make the team but is suspended for the first four games of the season and will not count on the initial 53-man roster.)

QUARTERBACKS (3)

Shaun Hill
Austin Davis
Garrett Gilbert

The devastating loss of quarterback Sam Bradford leaves the Rams with just the three players mentioned above on the roster. Davis is the No. 2 for now but the Rams will keep their eyes open for a veteran to add experience. These three could make the initial cut but the most likely scenario is they keep Hill and Davis and Gilbert goes to the practice squad after they locate a veteran.

RUNNING BACKS (4)

Zac Stacy
Benny Cunningham
Tre Mason
Trey Watts

Chase Reynolds is difficult to leave off because of his value on special teams, but Watts has just offered too much upside for the offense and willingness on special teams to be left off. It wouldn't surprise if the Rams kept both but it's hard to do this without at least including Watts.

RECEIVERS (5)

Kenny Britt
Brian Quick
Tavon Austin
Chris Givens
Austin Pettis


With Bailey suspended the first four weeks, the Rams could take a longer look at another wideout for the first quarter of the season but there isn't one who has really emerged as worthy. Givens reminded many why he deserves to stick against the Browns but Pettis has been nearly invisible. Without Bailey, it stands to reason Pettis would stay but upon Bailey's return, that could change.

TIGHT ENDS (4)

Jared Cook
Lance Kendricks
Cory Harkey
Justice Cunningham


The first three are probably pretty safe, but the Rams could have an intriguing competition for a potential fourth tight end if they opt to keep four. Cunningham versus Alex Bayer continues to be one of the more interesting battles on the roster. Cunningham is the better blocker, while Bayer has shown more as a pass-catcher. It's really difficult to determine which flavor the Rams prefer but I'm going back to Cunningham because of his value as a blocker on special teams.

OFFENSIVE LINEMEN (9)

Jake Long
Joe Barksdale
Scott Wells
Greg Robinson
Rodger Saffold
Davin Joseph
Travis Bond
Tim Barnes
Mike Person


The Rams have serious questions about their depth on the offensive line. Barrett Jones' situation remains in flux and few of the backups have stood out. It's hard to project the depth beyond Joseph and Barnes but the guess here is the Rams do something to stash Jones and save the roster spot then opt for Person and Bond in a tight race over Brandon Washington and Sean Hooey.

DEFENSIVE LINEMEN (9)

Chris Long
Robert Quinn
William Hayes
Eugene Sims
Michael Brockers
Kendall Langford
Aaron Donald
Alex Carrington
Ethan Westbrooks


This is the toughest decision on the roster right now. Westbrooks and Michael Sam have both done enough in camp and the preseason to stake a claim to a spot. At this point, it would be a surprise if Westbrooks didn't make it. Jeff Fisher has hinted at a different look in terms of roster composition this year and it's not out of the realm of possibility they could keep both. It's hard to project where they could chop elsewhere to create space, though. The other X factor here is the health of Hayes and Sims. Neither played against Miami and Hayes has yet to appear in a preseason game. Perhaps that could open the door for both Sam and Westbrooks to stay.

LINEBACKERS (6)

James Laurinaitis
Alec Ogletree
Jo-Lonn Dunbar
Ray-Ray Armstrong
Daren Bates
Phillip Steward


Barring injury, it's hard to imagine a scenario in which the first five don't make it. But the sixth spot is more of a question mark. That spot is anybody's guess. Steward stays there for now but Lawrence Wilson and Aaron Hill could surprise. And the Rams will definitely scour the waiver wire for others.

CORNERBACKS (6)

Janoris Jenkins
Trumaine Johnson
Lamarcus Joyner
Brandon McGee
E.J. Gaines
Marcus Roberson


With Johnson out four to six weeks, this looks like the spot that could keep Sam from making the roster. The Rams will have to carry Johnson on the roster but will probably need to keep another body for depth in the meantime. It's not easy to choose one from the group of Roberson, Greg Reid and Darren Woodard. Roberson has flashed the most in coverage, Reid is the best tackler and Woodard is sort of the happy medium between the two. We'll go with Roberson because he's gotten the most opportunities, an indication the coaching staff likes his potential.

SAFETIES (4)

T.J. McDonald
Rodney McLeod
Maurice Alexander
Cody Davis


Put simply, the Rams don't have anyone else who has showed enough to earn a spot and Joyner could play safety in a pinch. Alexander and Davis are core special-teams players.

SPECIALISTS (3)

Johnny Hekker
Greg Zuerlein
Jake McQuaide


These three are set in stone.

good list. I would keep B Washington over Bond. Barnes and Joseph provide good interior depth but Washington showed well at LT.

 

[Jwise1727]

If the Rams say they want to establish themselves as a run-first, smash-mouth offense, then I believe Cunningham is the choice. Cunningham won't be asked to catch a lot of footballs this year, and as has been said by other that can be coached up.

 

[Fatbot]

If the Rams say they want to establish themselves as a run-first, smash-mouth offense, then I believe Cunningham is the choice. Cunningham won't be asked to catch a lot of footballs this year, and as has been said by other that can be coached up.

I agree with the point about the smash-mouth offense priority needing a blocking TE. But from what I've seen J.Cunningham is not that blocking TE. Admittedly I have not seen the Dolphins game yet (will at 4am tonite on NFL Network), but in every other game he's flat out missed blocks or barely screened off guys. He has no drive block, he cannot set the edge, what he showed in 3 games of preseason was simply bad blocking ability.

*If* Cunningham was a great blocker I would 100% agree keep him over Bayer, but I've seen Bayer block just as well or better so far. Obviously the team sees them in practice where I don't, but I hate just trusting the P-D or Waggoner saying "he's a good blocker" and not actually seeing it for myself in game action (even preseason).

 

[TGZ]

I guess I'm seeing something different from the rest of you because I would keep Cunningham over Bayer as well.

Also agree with Roberson over Reid.

 

[DR RAM]

This was a tough preseason to evaluate, because of all of the injuries, but it did give us an extended look at the bottom of our roster.

Offense:

QB's: If someone becomes available for our #3 on the waiver wire, I could see a move there, but only for our #3. Gilbert didn't do much, but also had little chance, he got blasted the last game. I like his skill set, but he needs a lot of work. PS?

RB's: I'd take Reynolds over Watts, better special teamer, but I'd try to get Watts on the PS.

WR's: Sounds about right, as I didn't see anyone stand out in any phase of the game to beat anybody out. Pettis has had few opportunities this preseason, and I don't know what that means, but he hasn't looked happy on the sidelines.

TE's: I think Kendricks can play both the Harkey, and the Cook roles, so I'd take Bayer here. Love his hands, he has gotten better as a blocker from preseason game 1 to 4, he can only play the Cook spot though. Tough call, but Cunningham missed a lot of opportunities to shine. I wouldn't be broken up on this if it went another way, or if even we picked someone up from the waiver wire.

OL: Wow this one is tough, and let me be the first to say that Brandon Washington looks like a different player from last year, when his feet seemed stuck in quicksand. Makes me think he was fighting through some injuries. He is in contention, now. Bond had a rough game. Barnes is safe. I think Person is safe. It come to Washington and Bond, and in a surprise...I pick B. Washington, a player that I've been very critical of.

Defense:

DL: Can't argue with the defensive lineman at all. Westbrooks has been an incredible pickup, and he can play against one's if forced. I think Sam is out, but if not claimed, he will be retained on the PS.

LB's: R. Armstrong was just awful, and if he makes it, it will be for ST only. Looks like he's wearing a blindfold out there, the dude can't find the ball. Bates is a lock, and I really think Wilson flashed the last couple of games. I think we need to replace Armstrong with someone better, if possible, on the waiver wire. JL, AO, JD, DB, LW, and ?, because not on roster yet.

CB's: Another tough one, but I think the top 5 are safe. It's that 6th spot. Robertson, who the Rams seem to like, Woodard, who really flashed in the last game, or Reid, who is a solid tackler. I'd have to pick Woodard, but I agree that if we could merge Robertson and Reid, we'd really have a player. I think they can both play too, so it's a tough call. In any case, I think the two that don't make it go to the PS, if not claimed.

S: Can't argue that four at all, but we could get better there, IMO.

ST's: Duh.

That's how I see it.

 

[CoachO]

I think there will be some surprises, to this list, and to who is eventually brought back to the PS. When Fisher talks about going heavy in some positions, I don't think that is a smoke screen. Now with the injuries, it will surely impact how the numbers shake out. But it wouldn't surprise me to see them go heavy in the DL, or OL, and keep only 5 LBs for example.

With the "talent" that has come forward, keeping 5 LBs so they can keep 5 RBs? Who knows? But we should get a better idea soon. Snead mentioned on last nights broadcast, that they are likely to announce the first wave today, and then go right up to the deadline to decide on the last few spots.

 

[DR RAM]

I think there will be some surprises, to this list, and to who is eventually brought back to the PS. When Fisher talks about going heavy in some positions, I don't think that is a smoke screen. Now with the injuries, it will surely impact how the numbers shake out. But it wouldn't surprise me to see them go heavy in the DL, or OL, and keep only 5 LBs for example.

With the "talent" that has come forward, keeping 5 LBs so they can keep 5 RBs? Who knows? But we should get a better idea soon. Snead mentioned on last nights broadcast, that they are likely to announce the first wave today, and then go right up to the deadline to decide on the last few spots.

He said that last night during the game too. He also said that sometimes, when you do that, you might get trade offers for a player or two.

 

[TGZ]

There's a pretty noticeable drop off after the 5th LB. So much so that I would predict that a 6th LB will be on the roster that currently plays for a different team.

I've changed my opinion on o-line a lot, but I still don't see why Mike Person is safe. I would rather keep Bond and Washington. Ultimately though, if we get to o-linemen 7,8, and 9, we are in trouble anyway.