The preseason for the Los Angeles Rams will be reserved for unproven players competing for starting jobs and roster spots. None of the biggest stars are expected to suit up for an exhibition game this summer, certainly not on Saturday against the Raiders.
There will still be key position battles to keep an eye on this weekend, however. The Rams are still unsettled at a couple different positions, the majority of which are on defense.
Here are four position battles to watch in the Rams’ preseason opener against Oakland.
Nose tackle
Sebastian Joseph-Day vs. Greg Gaines
Wade Phillips said Joseph-Day has seized the opportunity to replace Ndamukong Suh at nose tackle, but that doesn’t mean he’ll be the Week 1 starter. Joseph-Day has had an excellent offseason, but that solid play will need to continue into the preseason. Gaines isn’t going to be the easiest competition to hold off and his first chance to shine will come on Saturday night.
This is arguably the most important and closely matched position battle to watch throughout the preseason for the Rams because the winner will have a big hand in improving the run defense.
Inside linebacker
Micah Kiser vs. Bryce Hager
Kiser was penciled in as the starter as soon as Mark Barron was released, but Hager has apparently done enough this offseason to warrant consideration next to Cory Littleton. Kiser is a physical linebacker who’s not afraid to take on blocks and always seems to find the football as a tackler.
Hager isn’t small by any means and has good speed, but at the point of attack, Kiser has the edge. The second-year linebacker out of Virginia is still the likeliest pick to start, but Hager isn’t going to go quietly this preseason.
No. 3 safety
Taylor Rapp vs. Marqui Christian
It’s doubtful the Rams will cut Christian, but if Rapp really stands out in the preseason and emerges as the best backup safety, it could make Christian expendable. The Rams are going to run a lot of three-safety looks in 2019 so the third safety is going to have a significant role on defense.
Rapp and Christian have both been running with the second team and assuming both play on Saturday, they’ll likely start together against the Raiders. The better player this preseason will see a significant workload when the meaningful games begin, so this is a key battle to watch.
Backup guard
Jamil Demby vs. Jeremiah Kolone
It was believed that Bobby Evans and David Edwards would compete as backup guards – and they still may – but as of now, they’re at each tackle spot and Demby and Kolone are inside at guard. Demby can play every offensive line position, but he’s seen the most time at guard this offseason. Kolone is somewhat of a surprise as a second-team guard and for both players, a roster spot is on the line.
The Rams won’t keep both players and right now, Demby probably has the edge thanks to his versatility. Kolone needs a strong showing in the preseason if he wants to beat out Demby for one of the last spots on the roster.
