[sv slug=”blainegrisak”]
The Los Angeles Rams begin training camp next week. Every season an unexpected player or two makes the final roster. Last season that list included running back Justin Davis, tight end Johnny Mundt, and linebacker Bryce Hager. Below are five players who would be considered a surprise if they made the final-53.
TE Keenen Brown
Keenen Brown, the tight end out of Texas State could easily have been an early day three selection on draft day. Instead, Brown went undrafted and was signed by the Los Angeles Rams. According to Pro Football Focus, “Brown finished the 2018 season ranked first in forced missed tackles (24), third in total yards after the catch (427), and sixth in yards after contact (107) among qualifying tight ends.”
The Rams have enjoyed having that developmental “tweener” tight end on their roster that can line up all over the field. In McVay’s first year that player was Temarrick Hemingway. Brown would immediately fill that role and be a player that the team can develop as a No. 2 tight end when Tyler Higbee‘s contract expires after this season.
OL Matt Kaskey
He may have played in the Ivy League, but Matt Kaskey should not be overlooked. The Big Green offense flourished with the three-time captain starting every game at left tackle. He was an anchor on an offensive line that helped Dartmouth finish the season ranked 11th in the FCS in rushing (254.7 yards per game) and sixth in fewest sacks allowed.
The Rams have a considerable amount of depth on the offensive line, but Kaskey could play at tackle or even be moved inside to guard. That versatility is something that gives him added value. The offensive line is going to be a numbers game, but if Kaskey can stand out in training camp and the preseason, he’ll have a good chance at surviving preseason cuts given the inexperience at the position group.
WR Nsimba Webster
At wide receiver, the Rams’ top-four is pretty much set in stone. There isn’t a player on the roster who will surpass Brandin Cooks, Robert Woods, Cooper Kupp, and Josh Reynolds. However, behind them, the competition is wide open.
At 5’10, 180-lbs, Webster is slightly undersized, but he makes up for it with his 4.40 speed. He’s a dynamic playmaker that can stretch the field despite playing in the FCS. With KhaDarel Hodge and JoJo Natson as the current favorites to win the fifth and sixth spots, there’s no reason Webster can’t surpass one of them with a good camp.
RB Matt Colburn
When it comes to the Los Angeles Rams running backs, three players are in place – Todd Gurley, Darrell Henderson, and Malcolm Brown. However, behind them is wide open. John Kelly spent last season on the roster but was only active for four games. Davis, the former USC Trojan, has spent the previous two seasons with the team.
With that said, the Rams still felt the need to go out and sign C.J. Anderson at the end of last season to carry the load. Colburn led Wake Forest in rushing as a junior and senior and finished his career ranked sixth in program history with 2,528 rushing yards. Last season he rushed for has 243 yards and three touchdowns on the road against the Louisville Cardinals, who rescinded his scholarship as a freshman.
Colburn isn’t the biggest guy, but unlike Kelly, he brings value on special teams. The Rams will likely only keep four running backs, meaning Colburn will have to beat out both Kelly and Davis if he wants a spot on the 53.
LB Natrez Patrick
The Rams don’t have a lot of depth at inside linebacker which makes it a perfect position for somebody looking to come in and steal a roster spot. This is the case for Patrick. The Georgia linebacker brings the size, physicality, and instincts to help against the run immediately.
He’ll need to prove that he can contribute on special teams, but when the starting linebacker next to Cory Littleton, Micah Kiser, has zero starts, there is room for someone to emerge. Patrick has a great story, having bounced back from two suspensions. He played his entire senior season, making eight starts while recording 44 tackles.
Blaine Grisak is a writer for PFN covering the Los Angeles Rams. You can follow him @bxgrisak_SID on Twitter.