Rams 53-man roster projection: Breaking down the depth chart after first preseason game (2024)

INGLEWOOD, Calif. — A preseason game with quite a bit of “bad” — four interceptions’ worth, and nearly a fifth that was called back due to a penalty — from third-string quarterback Stetson Bennett, also featured one great moment with just seconds to play and the Los Angeles Rams in a six-point deficit. Bennett flushed to his left at the 6-yard line, then slung a pass to reserve tight end Miller Forristall for the game-tying touchdown. Rookie kicker Josh Karty hit the game-winning extra point in the 13-12 victory (Karty was also 2-for-2 on field goals of 28 and 39 yards).

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Bennett went 24-of-38 with 224 yards, the touchdown and the four interceptions for a 48.5 passer rating. While he made multiple bad choices with throws (and admitted as much postgame), he did look more confident getting in and out of the huddle and in setting up the actual offense in general. This was not at always the case in 2023, whether in training camp practices or the preseason.

“I thought I played well, and then just made a bunch of bad decisions if that’s possible,” Bennett said. “… I told myself today, ‘We’re gonna roll with the punches.’ My goal was to not make any mental errors, (it) was basically to run the offense correctly. I know the interceptions are different, but like, to run in and out of the huddle, execute. And I thought we did that for the majority of the day. There were some lapses, obviously. …

“Not overthinking it. You get a play in, you give a play, and then you do your job. I think last year I was kind of building it up to be more than that. I was trying to find the answer somewhere. The answer is, listen to (the coaches). They tell you what to do. Do it.”

You know Matt Stafford approves of that sidearm 🔥
The @RamsNFL added the extra point to take the lead. pic.twitter.com/EgFr5LmGoT
— NFL (@NFL) August 11, 2024

The brightest moments of the day came from two rookies, receiver Jordan Whittington and Karty. Whittington looked at ease in coach Sean McVay’s offense, as “vanilla” as the preseason is, and showed his comfort with NFL contact (even backups) with a 31-yard catch-and-run slant during which he broke a tackle.

“He played like a grown man with the ball in his hands, (and) did a great job without it,” McVay said of Whittington. “He’s going to be a factor for us.”

Whittington has gotten a significant workload since spring OTAs, including with the first team and especially in the absence of Puka Nacua (knee).

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Also notable: the second- and third-team defensive units did not allow a touchdown, despite playing so much of the game in sudden-change after Bennett’s turnovers.

Often, it’s more notable to see who the Ramsdon’tplay during the preseason. Starters and key depth players usually sit. There are some exceptions. For example, both tight ends Hunter Long and Davis Allen got snaps Sunday in part because both missed most or all of last year’s preseason with injuries. The Rams are also trying to discern what the depth and rotation (and/or combinations) will look like in supplement of starter Colby Parkinson, help get Bennett off to a good start with sufficient blocking help and get players reps in the new kickoff format.

But in general,notplaying much or at all in the preseason is a good sign for a player’s status.

Here’s my best guess at a 53-man roster projection after the first game of the preseason — with plenty of football left before Week 1:

Quarterbacks (2): Matthew Stafford, Jimmy Garoppolo

Please note that this will be adjusted slightly ahead of Week 1 because Garoppolo is suspended for the first two games of the regular season. That means Bennett could be the No. 2 for Weeks 1 and 2. Stafford is healthy, and that’s a good thing because Bennett is definitely not ready to ascend to No. 2 — let alone quarterback the Rams against a non-preseason opponent.

Running backs (4): Kyren Williams, Blake Corum, Ronnie Rivers, Boston Scott

Scott and Rivers can be impact players on special teams.

Wide receivers (7): Cooper Kupp, Puka Nacua, Demarcus Robinson, Jordan Whittington, Tutu Atwell, Tyler Johnson, Xavier Smith

Keeping fewer tight ends gives the Rams more room at receiver. Whittington looks as though he will be a very good, physical player and fits behind the Kupp/Nacua roles McVay prefers at the position. Robinson is a true “X” receiver, but in this offense the “X” does not mean he will get the most targets from Stafford (Kupp/Nacua are likely to split those, followed by Robinson). Smith and Johnson had strong camps and they are contributors on special teams. Atwell seems to be more so Robinson’s backup, where Whittington could back up either Kupp or Nacua.

Gettin' Whitt it early. 💪 pic.twitter.com/b4CwMOzHLt
— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) August 11, 2024

Tight ends (3):Colby Parkinson, Davis Allen, Hunter Long

Longtime starter Tyler Higbee opened training camp on the physically unable to perform list. While the Rams expect him back deep into the season, they won’t have to worry about his roster spot in the meantime. Placement on reserve/PUP during roster cutdowns means Higbee has to miss at least the first four games of the season (but they don’t expect him to return until after that anyway). Parkinson is obviously the starter, and will be the lead tight end in 11 personnel — but I will reiterate the Rams have liked all three tight ends and are happy they have the flexibility to get into other heavier personnels if needed against an opponent or due to injuries elsewhere.

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