Thanks to the majority of veterans and starters sitting out the preseason, the younger players on the Rams’ roster will get increased playing time. It’ll give the coaches a longer look at players fighting for starting jobs and roster spots, having a full four weeks of preseason action to sort things out.
Position battles are ongoing and will heat up in the coming weeks, beginning on Saturday against the Cowboys. Kickoff is set for 10 p.m. ET from Hawaii in a (meaningless) exhibition of the 2019 divisional round.
Keep an eye on these five position battles for the Rams.
Nose tackle
Sebastian Joseph-Day vs. Greg Gaines
Tanzel Smart is a long shot to be the starting nose tackle, fitting better at 3-technique. Really, it’s going to come down to either Joseph-Day or Gaines. Both played in the preseason opener and they’ll both be on the field Saturday against Dallas, but it remains to be seen who starts.
Joseph-Day was the starter against Oakland and has gotten more work with the first-team defense in practice, so he seems to have the edge. However, Gaines played well in limited reps against the Raiders, so he’s on the rise.
Inside linebacker
Micah Kiser vs. Bryce Hager vs. Travin Howard
Kiser and Howard were the starters against the Raiders with Hager coming in to replace Kiser after a brief time. Howard fits better behind Cory Littleton on the weak side but if he really stands out in the preseason, perhaps the Rams will give him a chance to start.
As of now, it’ll come down to Kiser and Hager. Their playing time should increase as the weeks go on, giving the coaches a longer look at who should be the starter come Week 1. Keep an eye on how Kiser performs against Dallas’ starters Saturday night, if he gets the chance.
No. 5 cornerback
Kevin Peterson vs. David Long vs. Dominique Hatfield
Peterson was one of the best players on the field against the Raiders and continues to rise the depth chart. He’s passed Hatfield on the depth chart with Long likely the No. 6 cornerback right now. Troy Hill appears to be fourth on the depth chart, given his contract status and the fact that he was held out of the preseason opener with other veterans.
Long won’t be cut this year, but Peterson and Hatfield could both be on the chopping block. The same goes for Ramon Richards and Dont’e Deayon in the secondary.
No. 5 wide receiver
Mike Thomas vs. KhaDarel Hodge vs. JoJo Natson
Thomas has apparently “really separated himself” in the wide receiver battle, according to Sean McVay. That doesn’t mean he’s guaranteed a roster spot or is locked in as the fifth receiver, but he is trending in the right direction. Hodge played well last week in Oakland, while Natson’s opportunities were limited.
Nsimba Webster and the other undrafted rookies are further down the depth chart, simply competing for roster spots.
Outside linebacker
Landis Durham vs. Josh Carraway vs. Obo Okoronkwo vs. Trevon Young vs. Natrez Patrick
Here’s where things get really crowded. Durham and Carraway were standouts against the Raiders, while Okoronkwo has yet to play a single preseason game in two years. Young and Patrick have been mentioned by McVay as players who have done well, especially with Justin Lawler injured.
It’s anyone’s guess as to how this battle will shake out, but it won’t be decided on Saturday. It’ll take a few more weeks to settle, which isn’t much time for Okoronkwo to make a strong impression.
