Training camp will be here in just a few days as the Los Angeles Rams return to work at UC Irvine. Starters are penciled in at several positions and written in ink at other spots, but there are also a few places on the depth chart where players have yet to emerge as the best option.
These six position battles will be worth watching at training camp, be it for starting jobs or as backups.
Nose tackle
Greg Gaines vs. Sebastian Joseph-Day
This battle will have a big impact on the defensive line, though both players are likely to get plenty of playing time. After Gaines was drafted, the Rams talked him up as a potential starter in their base 3-4 scheme. However, during OTAs and minicamp, Wade Phillips complimented Joseph-Day as someone who really impressed him.
“Gaines has come in, but I think a lot of our second-year players have really stepped up too,” Phillips said this spring. “They’ve been through it for a year and I think especially Sebastian Joseph-Day has really stepped up. We thought he had potential last year, he kept working at it through the year. He’s a real strong, powerful guy inside, so he’s stepped in there and looked good this spring, so we’re looking forward to him coming through the second year, too.”
Joseph-Day may have the edge right now heading into camp, but absolutely nothing is set in stone. Gaines has the talent and size to be a Day 1 starter at nose tackle.
Tight end
Gerald Everett vs. Tyler Higbee
Higbee has been the No. 1 tight end the last two years, but both players have gotten their share of work – just typically not at the same time. Everett edged out Higbee late last season and into the playoffs, which could give him some momentum heading into this season.
He’s definitely the better receiver and more dangerous in the open field than Higbee, but he still has to improve as an inline blocker. If Everett continues to progress the way he has since coming into the NFL, he’ll be TE1 on the depth chart in Week 1.
Outside linebacker
Clay Matthews vs. Samson Ebukam vs. Ogbonnia Okoronkwo
Matthews said at OTAs that he’s going to be listed as an outside linebacker first but also play inside some. Given the Rams’ need for pass-rush help, you should expect to see Matthews on the edge more often than he lines up next to Cory Littleton at ILB. That hurts Ebukam’s playing time and does Okoronkwo no favors.
Ebukam’s roster spot should be safe, just based on his potential after a solid 2018 season, but Okoronkwo hasn’t locked anything up yet. He has to not only stay healthy, but also show he can contribute at the NFL level.
It’d be a surprise to see Okoronkwo as the starter opposite Dante Fowler Jr., but stranger things have happened.
Inside linebacker
Micah Kiser vs. Bryce Hager vs. Dakota Allen
After spring workouts, Kiser definitely has the inside track to the starting job next to Littleton. Hager was brought back so he has a shot, too, while Allen will need to prove himself on special teams first.
Kiser should be the starter in base packages with someone like Taylor Rapp or Marqui Christian coming in on sub-packages. Even if Kiser is a two-down player, he’ll be a key defender for the Rams this season. He flashed in the preseason a year ago as a stud tackler and run defender, which is an area the Rams must improve.
No. 4 cornerback
David Long vs. Troy Hill
Dominque Hatfield or Kevin Peterson could potentially sneak in as the fourth cornerback, but Hill and Long are definitely the frontrunners to be the dime cornerback. While Long doesn’t have any NFL experience, his ability in press coverage makes him a valuable asset as a backup.
Hill might have the edge as a veteran, but his inconsistency on the field makes him difficult to rely on. After signing a contract extension this offseason, the Rams clearly feel good about him backing up Aqib Talib and Marcus Peters, but that contract won’t keep him ahead of Long by default.
No. 3 safety
Taylor Rapp vs. Marqui Christian
Christian isn’t just in danger of losing his job as the third safety and hybrid linebacker. He could be a surprise cut when the final roster is set. That largely depends on how Rapp plays in camp and the preseason, though. They’re very similar players, and while it’s valuable to have defenders with their versatility, it might be redundant to keep them both on the roster.
The Rams are excited about Rapp and had a first-round grade on him, so he’s going to get playing time. Christian stepped up last season, but Rapp could prove to be a better version of him at a lower cost.
