The Los Angeles Rams are traveling to Kansas City this week to play the Chiefs in their preseason opener. While the Rams have the majority of their roster spots filled, there are a few jobs still up for grabs.
Here are five players who will need to make the most out of this contest if they wish to either make the 53-man roster or have a significant role this season.
Cam Lampkin
It seems that with each passing day, Lampkin is pushing closer to making the roster. If the Rams don’t put him on the active roster, he’s a top candidate for the practice squad, but I have a sense that the Rams want another outside corner as depth to allow Trent McDuffie to play multiple roles.
He had a strong preseason last year, but this could be the moment he puts it all together. He’s a talented player who needed to refine his game, and he might be ready for a bigger role this season.
Beaux Limmer
Limmer is entering Year 3, and there really isn’t any indication of what his future looks like. If Coleman Shelton plays as well as he did last season, he’s a likely candidate for an extension, especially with Kevin Dotson viewing him as the QB2 of the offense.
Keagan Trost is making strides, while Justin Dedich already overtook Limmer last season as the main backup on the interior. If Limmer is to turn his story around, this game could be that catalyst, as time is running out.
CJ Daniels/Max Klare
Daniels and Klare both have the same scenario laid out in front of them. Both are rookies playing in a complex offense that requires physical play and a deep understanding of the timing and nuances of the operation. They’re also in position groups littered with veterans.
If they want to contribute, they need to show they have taken the mental strides needed at the NFL level. Yes, their play could earn them more time. The change would be minimal. The Rams trust their guys. However, players get hurt and need rest. If Daniels and Klare show they’re mentally ready, their time will come as the season progresses.
Josh Wallace
Wallace remains the ultimate wild card in the secondary, as there may not be room for him. The Rams are stockpiled with DBs: McDuffie, Jaylen McCollough, Kam Kinchens, Kam Curl, Quentin Lake, Emmanuel Forbes Jr. and Jaylen Watson. That’s already seven names before Wallace and their dime defense requires only six defensive backs.
Wallace is also a very good player who would thrive if given more snaps. He’s a smart, talented player in a big pool of talented defenders. The preseason could be when he reminds the coaching staff of what he can do, especially as he’s one to lay a hit.
Ty Simpson
Simpson will likely be the Rams’ QB3 to start the season, but I’m not so sure he’ll stay there. His athleticism is evident and there are a lot of creative things that Sean McVay could do in the event he has to play. For Simpson, all he needs to do is play within the structure of the offense.
Stetson Bennett is a gamer, but he tends to throw dangerous passes into traffic. Simpson needs to prove he can be the conservative option – for now, until he grows within the offense.
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: 6 Rams who must play well in preseason opener vs. Chiefs
Reporting by Brock Vierra, Rams Wire / Rams Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Brock Vierra, Rams Wire | USA TODAY Network
