5 Things to Watch When Rams Release Initial Depth Chart

As the Los Angeles Rams get ready for their first preseason game on Saturday against the Kansas City Chiefs, they will release their initial depth chart of the preseason. The Rams likely won’t give up a lot when it comes to the initial depth chart, butit still provides a good look at how the team views certain players. Here are five things to watch for when the Rams release their initial depth chart.

Stetson Bennett Should Get the QB2 Nod

When the Rams release their initial depth chart, it seems almost inevitable that Stetson Bennett will end up ahead of Ty Simpson. Multiple things can be true here. Bennett has certainly earned the backup quarterback role and the Rams appear to trust him there. He has taken all of the backup reps throughout the entirety of the offseason.

At the same time, it shouldn’t be taken as a knock on Simpson. The Rams are bringing him along at his own pace. Additionally, the Rams typically list rookies behind established veterans on the depth chart. In 2023, Puka Nacua was listed behind Tutu Atwell. Terrance Ferguson was listed as the fourth tight end last year behind Davis Allen. The Rams know where each player stands and they aren’t going to reveal a lot on the Week 1 preseason depth chart.

Has CJ Daniels Done Enough to Move Up?

With all of that said, it will be interesting to see where the Rams list CJ Daniels. Daniels has been a standout throughout training camp and the offseason program. The Rams may not have a true WR3, but where Daniels ends up will be something to watch.

Given how the Rams handle rookies, it wouldn’t be surprising, and probably should be expected for Daniels to be behind Jordan Whittington, Xavier Smith, and Konata Mumpfield. At the same time, he’s shown a lot throughout training camp to potentially get listed alongside Whittington.

The Rams Could Reveal Their Plan for Keagen Trost

Not a lot has been said about Keagan Trost throughout the offseason. Early in training camp, Kevin Dotson mentioned that Trost had taken some snaps with the ones.

“He has gotten in there and competed, which is what you want,” said quarterback Matthew Stafford. “You want guys to go look like they belong. He definitely does that.”

When the Rams drafted Trost, it was unclear where they would play him. While he played tackle at Mizzou, he projected better as a guard at the next level. It’ll be eye-opening to see if the Rams list Trost behind Warren McClendon at right tackle or behind one of the guards.

The Cornerback Depth Gets Interesting

The Rams are set at the top of the cornerback depth chart with Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson. Behind them is where it gets interesting. Emmanuel Forbes is likely the CB3 behind Watson. However, it’s unclear where the Rams could list Josh Wallace and Cam Lampkin.

Wallace is more of a slot player, but Lampkin has had a strong training camp. Additionally, Quentin Lake is technically a safety, but the Rams played him as their nickel most of last year. With how Chris Shula uses his defensive backs, there are several ways the Rams could structure the depth chart at this position.

Kyren Williams or Xavier Smith at Punt Returner?

Heading into the offseason, a competition at punt returner didn’t seem to be in the cards. However, that’s exactly what’s taken place as Kyren Williams and Xavier Smith split reps as the team’s punt returner during training camp.

It wouldn’t be surprising to see Smith listed as the starter, but how the Rams list it on the depth chart will be very telling. If Williams is listed as the team’s punt returner, it could make for some difficult decisions come roster cutdowns.

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