Final Rams 53-man roster projection: Tutu Atwell trade changes things
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Training camp is done. The preseason is in the books. All that's left to do before Week 1 is trimming the roster to 53 players.
Sounds easy, right? Wrong.
The Los Angeles Rams will have some difficult decisions to make over the next few days before Sunday's deadline at 6 p.m. ET. There are ways to get the roster down besides cutting players, whether it's via trades or injury designations, but we know only 53 guys can be on the active roster come Sunday night.
Following the Rams' unexpected trade for Tutu Atwell and the preseason finale against the Chargers, it's time to make our final roster projection. Atwell's arrival changes things, giving the Rams even more depth at wide receiver. Jarquez Hunter's departure also leaves the Rams thinner at running back.
So who's in and who's out? Here's our best prediction for the Rams' 53-man squad.
Quarterback (3)
- Matthew Stafford
- Stetson Bennett
- Ty Simpson
We know the Rams are keeping three quarterbacks on the 53-man roster after Sean McVay said as much earlier this week, confirming that Bennett has made the team. He'll likely be the QB2, with Simpson being third on the depth chart, though McVay said he still hasn't decided who will be the backup.
Running back (3)
- Kyren Williams
- Blake Corum
- Ronnie Rivers
With Jarquez Hunter traded, the Rams could go light at running back with only three guys. Dean Connors made a strong case for a roster spot and cutting him could be risky, but the Rams may try to go that route and sign him to the practice squad. The same goes for Jordan Waters, who also showed flashes of explosiveness this preseason.
Wide receiver (7)
- Puka Nacua
- Davante Adams
- Jordan Whittington
- Konata Mumpfield
- Tutu Atwell
- Xavier Smith
- CJ Daniels
Tutu Atwell's return changes the math at wide receiver. After previously projecting the team to carry six, there are now seven wideouts in this final prediction. The top four are locks, and Smith didn't play in the final two preseason games, so he seems safe, too.
The biggest question mark is now Daniels, who played a ton this preseason. It's unlikely the Rams cut the sixth-round rookie, but he's not yet locked into a roster spot.
Tight end (5)
- Colby Parkinson
- Tyler Higbee
- Terrance Ferguson
- Davis Allen
- Max Klare
The Rams are going to lean heavily into their tight end group once again this season, which will require more depth than usual. With five quality tight ends on the roster, they can run as much 13 personnel as they'd like. And the best part? All five of these players have starter-type potential in L.A.
Offensive line (9)
- LT Alaric Jackson
- LG Steve Avila
- C Coleman Shelton
- RG Kevin Dotson
- RT Warren McClendon Jr.
- OT David Quessenberry
- G/C Beaux Limmer
- G/C Justin Dedich
- G/T Keagen Trost
The offensive line is very much a fluid group. Jackson could be facing a potential suspension for his offseason arrest, Dedich just returned from the NFI list this week and Trost is on the shelf with a hamstring injury that could sideline him until Week 1.
If Jackson and/or Trost miss time during the season, the Rams could need extra reinforcements in the form of Austin Blaske or even Bill Murray on the interior.
Defensive line (5)
- DT Kobie Turner
- NT Poona Ford
- DL Tyler Davis
- DE Braden Fiske
- DL Ty Hamilton
Tim Keenan III really struggled in the preseason and is in danger of being cut. Hamilton, on the other hand, sat out the last two games and there's been no reported injury, so it's a coach's decision. That gives Hamilton a very good chance to make the team, while Keenan's odds are dwindling after another underwhelming performance with no tackles in extended action.
Outside linebacker (5)
- Myles Garrett
- Byron Young
- Josaiah Stewart
- Desjuan Johnson
- Wesley Bailey
Bailey barely played on Thursday night, only being out there for the first couple of plays. Johnson got the night off once again, which is a good sign for both players. If Johnson is considered a virtual lock, Bailey probably isn't far behind him as someone who could be on the 53-man roster.
This is a quality, versatile group for the Rams to enter the year with.
Inside linebacker (4)
- Nate Landman
- Omar Speights
- Shaun Dolac
- Grant Stuard
It may not be a strength of the team, but this linebacker group hasn't changed at all. All four of these players sat out the entire preseason, standing head and shoulders above the rest of the linebackers on the team. They'll all be on the 53-man roster and will play vital roles on defense and special teams.
Cornerback (5)
- Trent McDuffie
- Jaylen Watson
- Emmanuel Forbes Jr.
- Josh Wallace
- Cam Lampkin
McDuffie, Watson, Forbes and Wallace all got the preseason off, which isn't a surprise for the top three, but is a very good sign for Wallace. He's secured a roster spot for the second straight year, in part thanks to his versatility as a slot defender and safety.
Cam Lampkin had some positive moments against the Chargers, including a couple of blitzes that led to a TFL and sack, putting him in position to potentially sneak onto the initial 53-man squad.
Safety (4)
- Quentin Lake
- Kam Curl
- Kamren Kinchens
- Jaylen McCollough
It'd be hard to find a safety group in the NFL with as much talent and versatility as the Rams'. Lake, Curl and Kinchens are all going to be on the field for the majority of the snaps, while McCollough is a good dime backer to have on defense when the Rams have six DBs out there.
Special teams (3)
- K Harrison Mevis
- P Ethan Evans
- LS Joe Cardona
Mevis, Evans and Cardona have all been rock solid this offseason, facing no competition at any point. They're ready to roll.
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: Final Rams 53-man roster projection: Tutu Atwell trade changes things
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