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http://www.espn.com/blog/los-angele...rams-53-man-roster-projection-final-cuts-2018
Rams' 53-man roster projection includes Aaron Donald
Lindsey Thiry/ESPN
Christian Petersen/Getty Images
QUARTERBACK (3): Jared Goff, Sean Mannion, Brandon Allen
Goff is the franchise quarterback. Mannion, a fourth-year pro, struggled at times during the preseason and hasn't provided much assurance that he could lead the team to victory if Goff were unavailable. Allen provides another option if needed.
RUNNING BACK (4): Todd Gurley, Malcolm Brown, Justin Davis, John Kelly
Gurley received a four-year, $60-million extension the day before camp opened and was expected to stay on the field as much as possible. Brown, a fourth-year pro, is a proven backup. Davis and Kelly each earn a roster spot because of their special teams contributions.
WIDE RECEIVER (6): Brandin Cooks, Robert Woods, Cooper Kupp, Josh Reynolds, Michael Thomas, Pharoh Cooper
The starting trio of Cooks, Woods and Kupp has the potential to be among the best in the league. Cooks was acquired in a trade with the New England Patriots. A second-year pro, Kupp elevates to a full-time starter.
TIGHT END (3): Tyler Higbee, Gerald Everett, Temarrick Hemingway
This group was among the most improved during camp. (say what?) :eek: Higbee could provide a red zone target. Hemingway returns after sitting out last season because of a broken fibula.
OFFENSIVE LINE (9): Andrew Whitworth, Rodger Saffold, John Sullivan, Rob Havenstein, Cornelius Lucas, Austin Blythe, Joseph Noteboom, Brian Allen, Jamil Demby
It's a veteran starting lineup followed mostly by rookies. The Rams' starting five was the only group in the league to start 15 games last season. That won't be the case this year, with Jamon Brown serving a two-game suspension to start the season. Noteboom, a third-round pick from TCU, has shown an ability to play the tackle and guard spots.
DEFENSIVE LINE (6): Aaron Donald, Ndamukong Suh, Michael Brockers, Ethan Westbrooks, Tanzel Smart, John Franklin-Myers
This line was built to wreck opponents. But it will need Donald to sign a new deal and report in advance of the opener to fully accomplish that. Suh is the big addition but don't forget about Brockers. With attention focused on the Donald/Suh combination, Brockers could surprise.
INSIDE LINEBACKER (5): Mark Barron, Cory Littleton, Ramik Wilson, Bryce Hager, Micah Kiser
Barron's durability remains a question because of his very limited participation throughout camp. Coaches have raved about Littleton, a former special teams standout and first-year starter who will be responsible for relaying the defensive playcalls.
OUTSIDE LINEBACKER (5): Samson Ebukam, Matt Longacre, Dominique Easley, Ryan Davis, Justin Lawler
Ebukam moves into a full-time starting role after serving a season on special teams. It remains a mystery who will win the spot opposite of him. Longacre was expected to move into a starting role, but after limited participation during camp, it seems more likely he'll play a spot in a rotation. Easley returns from a season-ending knee injury and moves from the interior of the line to the edge. Davis and Lawler were pleasant surprises during camp.
CORNERBACK (5): Aqib Talib, Marcus Peters, Nickell Robey-Coleman, Sam Shields, Troy Hill
This group underwent the biggest offseason makeover with the additions of Talib, Peters and Shields. Talib and Peters are arguably the best duo in the league. Robey-Coleman returns to the nickel and Shields makes his return to football after sitting out nearly two seasons because of concussions.
SAFETY (4): Lamarcus Joyner, John Johnson, Marqui Christian, Blake Countess
Joyner will play on the franchise tag and Johnson will start for a second season. Peters called them both "ball hawks" and said Johnson would be an All-Pro soon. Christian was among the most improved players during camp.
SPECIALIST (3): Johnny Hekker, Greg Zuerlein, Jake McQuaide
Zuerlein, a.k.a. "Mr. Automatic," returns after undergoing season-ending back surgery last December. This trio has played together for seven seasons.
Rams' 53-man roster projection includes Aaron Donald
Lindsey Thiry/ESPN
Christian Petersen/Getty Images
QUARTERBACK (3): Jared Goff, Sean Mannion, Brandon Allen
Goff is the franchise quarterback. Mannion, a fourth-year pro, struggled at times during the preseason and hasn't provided much assurance that he could lead the team to victory if Goff were unavailable. Allen provides another option if needed.
RUNNING BACK (4): Todd Gurley, Malcolm Brown, Justin Davis, John Kelly
Gurley received a four-year, $60-million extension the day before camp opened and was expected to stay on the field as much as possible. Brown, a fourth-year pro, is a proven backup. Davis and Kelly each earn a roster spot because of their special teams contributions.
WIDE RECEIVER (6): Brandin Cooks, Robert Woods, Cooper Kupp, Josh Reynolds, Michael Thomas, Pharoh Cooper
The starting trio of Cooks, Woods and Kupp has the potential to be among the best in the league. Cooks was acquired in a trade with the New England Patriots. A second-year pro, Kupp elevates to a full-time starter.
TIGHT END (3): Tyler Higbee, Gerald Everett, Temarrick Hemingway
This group was among the most improved during camp. (say what?) :eek: Higbee could provide a red zone target. Hemingway returns after sitting out last season because of a broken fibula.
OFFENSIVE LINE (9): Andrew Whitworth, Rodger Saffold, John Sullivan, Rob Havenstein, Cornelius Lucas, Austin Blythe, Joseph Noteboom, Brian Allen, Jamil Demby
It's a veteran starting lineup followed mostly by rookies. The Rams' starting five was the only group in the league to start 15 games last season. That won't be the case this year, with Jamon Brown serving a two-game suspension to start the season. Noteboom, a third-round pick from TCU, has shown an ability to play the tackle and guard spots.
DEFENSIVE LINE (6): Aaron Donald, Ndamukong Suh, Michael Brockers, Ethan Westbrooks, Tanzel Smart, John Franklin-Myers
This line was built to wreck opponents. But it will need Donald to sign a new deal and report in advance of the opener to fully accomplish that. Suh is the big addition but don't forget about Brockers. With attention focused on the Donald/Suh combination, Brockers could surprise.
INSIDE LINEBACKER (5): Mark Barron, Cory Littleton, Ramik Wilson, Bryce Hager, Micah Kiser
Barron's durability remains a question because of his very limited participation throughout camp. Coaches have raved about Littleton, a former special teams standout and first-year starter who will be responsible for relaying the defensive playcalls.
OUTSIDE LINEBACKER (5): Samson Ebukam, Matt Longacre, Dominique Easley, Ryan Davis, Justin Lawler
Ebukam moves into a full-time starting role after serving a season on special teams. It remains a mystery who will win the spot opposite of him. Longacre was expected to move into a starting role, but after limited participation during camp, it seems more likely he'll play a spot in a rotation. Easley returns from a season-ending knee injury and moves from the interior of the line to the edge. Davis and Lawler were pleasant surprises during camp.
CORNERBACK (5): Aqib Talib, Marcus Peters, Nickell Robey-Coleman, Sam Shields, Troy Hill
This group underwent the biggest offseason makeover with the additions of Talib, Peters and Shields. Talib and Peters are arguably the best duo in the league. Robey-Coleman returns to the nickel and Shields makes his return to football after sitting out nearly two seasons because of concussions.
SAFETY (4): Lamarcus Joyner, John Johnson, Marqui Christian, Blake Countess
Joyner will play on the franchise tag and Johnson will start for a second season. Peters called them both "ball hawks" and said Johnson would be an All-Pro soon. Christian was among the most improved players during camp.
SPECIALIST (3): Johnny Hekker, Greg Zuerlein, Jake McQuaide
Zuerlein, a.k.a. "Mr. Automatic," returns after undergoing season-ending back surgery last December. This trio has played together for seven seasons.