Rams 53-Man Roster Prediction: Did Wesley Bailey Force His Way Into the Mix?

The Los Angeles Rams have wrapped up their second preseason game, which means it’s time for another 53-man roster prediction. Following the game against the New Orleans Saints, the 53-man roster got a lot more complicated. Wesley Bailey made a strong case at edge rusher with 10 pressures. Players like Jarquez Hunter, Cam Lampkin, and Al’Zillion Hamilton have made strong cases as well. Let’s take an updated look at the 53-man roster following Week 2 of the preseason.

Quarterback (3): Matthew Stafford, Stetson Bennett, Ty Simpson

The quarterback position remains straight forward when it comes to the 53-man roster for the Rams. With both Stetson Bennett and Ty Simpson on the roster, the Rams are keeping three quarterbacks. The question that remains is who enters the season as the backup. Following Saturday’s performance, it’s looking like that player might be Bennett.

Running Back (3): Kyren Williams, Blake Corum, Ronnie Rivers

It wouldn’t be surprising to see the Rams keep four running backs. Jarquez Hunter has certainly done enough to show that he belongs on the roster. The same can be said about Dean Connors and Jordan Waters. However, the Rams should be able to go into the season with three and then keep one or two guys on the practice squad.

Wide Receiver (6): Puka Nacua, Davante Adams, Jordan Whittington, Konata Mumpfield, CJ Daniels, Xavier Smith

While Xavier Smith has arguably been on the roster bubble, it appears he may have locked up his spot. Smith didn’t play against the Saints and the Rams signed a punt returner for the preseason. It seems increasingly likely that the Rams keep six wide receivers.

Tight End (5): Colby Parkinson, Terrance Ferguson, Tyler Higbee, Davis Allen, Max Klare

These have been the five tight ends since the start of the offseason and that will remain the case.

Offensive Line (9): Alaric Jackson, Steve Avila, Coleman Shelton, Kevin Dotson, Warren McClendon, David Quessenberry, Keagen Trost, Justin Dedich, Beaux Limmer

I could see the Rams keeping 10 offensive lineman. This also gets very interesting if Jackson is suspended at the beginning of the season. In that case, Bill Murray, Austin Blaske, or AJ Arcuri could make the roster. However, right now the practice squad remains the most likely option for those three players.

Linebacker (4): Nate Landman, Omar Speights, Shaun Dolac, Grant Stuard

The Rams could certainly use an upgrade at linebacker, but given who they have on the roster, these are the likely four that will make the 53.

EDGE (5): Myles Garrett, Byron Young, Josaiah Stewart, Desjuan Johnson, Wesley Bailey

Given how well Wesley Bailey has played in the preseason, it might be impossible for the Rams to keep him off the roster. Bailey had 10 pressures against the Saints and is one of only a handful of players to do that in a single game in the last four preseasons. The others are all premier edge rushers around the NFL. It’s going to be difficult to find room, but the Rams will find a way to make it happen.

Defensive Line (6): Poona Ford, Kobie Turner, Braden Fiske, Tyler Davis, Ty Hamilton, Tim Keenan III

If Aaron Donald comes back, it’s going to shake things up on the defensive line. The Rams could also sacrifice here to make room for Bailey. However, depth on the defensive line is important. It makes sense for the Rams to keep six here.

Cornerback (5): Trent McDuffie, Jaylen Watson, Emmanuel Forbes, Josh Wallace, Cam Lampkin

With the emergence of Bailey on the edge, Lampkin’s spot is teetering on the bubble. However, the Rams played Lampkin quite a bit in the slot against the Saints to test his versatility. Lampkin has done well enough to earn a roster spot.

Safety (4): Kam Curl, Quentin Lake, Kam Kinchens, Jaylen McCollough

My big change here is leaving off Tanner Ingle. Given Ingle’s special teams value, the Rams could certainly opt to keep him. With that said, the Rams have to make a cut somewhere with the emergence of Bailey, and safety makes sense. Josh Wallace has shown versatility and Lampkin did so on Saturday. The Rams should be able to get by with four.

Special Teams (3): Harrison Mevis, Ethan Evans, Joe Cardona

Harrison Mevis is a perfect 4-for-4 in the preseason and Ethan Evans has punted well. The Rams haven’t brought in any serious competition on special teams. These three are set in stone.

Add us as a preferred source on Google