The Los Angeles Rams are not going to be thin on talent this season, returning much of the roster that got them to the Super Bowl last season. That depth is going to make it difficult for players further down on the depth chart to make the 53-man roster.
On offense, there are very few spots up for grabs entering training camp in a couple weeks. As a result, these five players are on the roster bubble and could be cut before the season begins.
OL Aaron Neary
Neary was already on the bubble before he was suspended four games for violating the league’s substance abuse policy. Now he faces a steep uphill climb to make the 53-man roster with the Rams having plenty of depth on the offensive line.
Neary can play center and guard, which does help his case, but the Rams added David Edwards and Bobby Evans in the draft and have been playing Jamil Demby at all five spots on the line. at this point, it would be somewhat surprising if Neary made the team, but there’s still hope if he can stand out in camp and the preseason.
RB Justin Davis
Davis is a talented player with a unique skill set as somewhat of a slasher in the backfield. He doesn’t run with great power or physicality, but he’s elusive and has good speed. Unfortunately for him, the Rams already have a more explosive player in Darrell Henderson, who they drafted in the third round this year.
Malcolm Brown was also brought back this offseason and Todd Gurley remains atop the depth chart. The Rams could very easily keep four running backs this season, but Davis will have to shore up his ball security issues and prove his hands can be reliable as a receiver. He also must beat out John Kelly to have any chance of making the team.
RB John Kelly
Speaking of Kelly, he’s not a sure bet to make the 53-man roster, either, despite being only a second-year player. As a former sixth-round pick, his roster spot isn’t assured in the least bit, especially with the talent the Rams have at running back. It’ll already be tough with Gurley, Brown and Henderson ahead of him, but he also has to rise above Davis.
Kelly is the better player than Davis at this point and really showed signs of being a quality backup last preseason, but he still has plenty to prove. This will be an important camp and preseason for the second-year back out of Tennessee.
WR Mike Thomas
It seems like Thomas has been on the roster bubble for a couple years now, yet he’s stuck around and remained in the picture. He’s entering the final year of his contract, but the Rams won’t gain an abundance of cap space by releasing him. They’ll save $720,000 and incur $29,019 in dead money, neither of which are big numbers.
Thomas is blocked by possibly the best group of receivers in the NFL. Brandin Cooks, Robert Woods and Cooper Kupp will be the starters, followed by Josh Reynolds as the No. 4. Considering the Rams almost never go five-wide, it’s difficult for reserve receivers to get on the field. Thomas really has to stand out in the preseason as the big-play receiver many hope he can be.
TE Johnny Mundt
Unless Tyler Higbee gets traded, he and Gerald Everett will be the top two tight ends in 2019. Beyond that is a big mystery. Mundt has been with the Rams for the last two seasons but has barely played and only has one catch for 5 yards. The No. 3 tight end won’t play much at all regardless of who it is, but Mundt will have to hold off two undrafted rookies if he wants to make the team.
Kendall Blanton and Keenen Brown are both intriguing rookies and will be cheaper than Mundt to keep on the roster. Given how infrequently the No. 3 tight end plays, the Rams could opt to go cheaper at that spot.
