RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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In less than a week, the Los Angeles Rams will need to trim their roster down to 53 players. As one of the deepest and most talented teams in the NFL, there are going to be a lot of difficult decisions facing the Rams.
We shared a new projection of their 53-man roster after Saturday's preseason win and it wasn't easy whittling it down. These were the seven toughest cuts from our projection.
CB Cam Lampkin
In our latest projection, Wesley Bailey replaced Lampkin as the last guy in. Both are deserving of a roster spot, but there may not be room for the two of them on the initial 53. Lampkin has played well in the preseason and was a standout defender in training camp, making a strong impression after nearly making the 53-man roster last season.
He has an even stronger case this year, especially given the Rams' lack of depth at outside corner. It's probably 50-50 right now as to whether he makes the team, though we'll find out more based on the plan for Thursday's preseason finale.
C Dylan McMahon
The Rams already have Beaux Limmer and Justin Dedich, each of whom can play center or guard. That makes McMahon a little redundant, but if Dedich isn't fully healthy by Week 1, the Rams might need McMahon to step up as a depth piece.
He played great in the second preseason game against the Saints and has a case to make the team, but again, Limmer and Dedich are more than enough on the interior behind Kevin Dotson and Steve Avila.
RB Dean Connors
Connors was one of the stars of the preseason opener, catching two touchdown passes from Ty Simpson in the win over Kansas City. He played sparingly in the second preseason game, only carrying it twice for 5 yards. Still, he offers upside as a receiving back who can also help on special teams.
If Jarquez Hunter makes the team, Connors won't. But in the event that Hunter (or Ronnie Rivers) somehow gets cut, Connors could sneak in.
CB Al'zillion Hamilton
Hamilton had an interception against the Saints after breaking up a pass the week before in Kansas City, continuing what's been a good summer since returning from the PUP list earlier this month. The undrafted rookie is in a similar boat as Lampkin, being an unproven player who could provide depth at a key position that's lacking depth.
He's probably behind Lampkin on the depth chart so his climb to the 53-man roster is steeper, but he can't be ruled out just yet.
S Alex Cook
When you have a 100-yard pick-six, you're going to turn some heads and gain attention. That's what Cook did on Saturday against the Saints, perfectly reading Spencer Rattler's eyes and breaking on the ball to intercept it at the goal line, taking it the distance for a touchdown.
The Rams have four safeties who are locks to make the team (Quentin Lake, Kamren Kinchens, Kam Curl and Jaylen McCollough), but it wouldn't hurt to have a fifth, particularly when it comes to playing special teams.
S Nick Andersen
Andersen is another young safety with some promise, breaking up a couple of passes in the opener. He's looked good in coverage and as a tackler, which are important traits for a safety. Andersen will need a strong performance in the preseason finale in order to have a shot at making the team, but he's still in the mix as of now.
S Tanner Ingle
Think the Rams have some safety depth? Ingle is more valuable for his special teams abilities than his safety play, but even on defense, he's a heat-seeking missile who plays like his hair is on fire. That's a good quality to have as a DB, never shying away from contact as a run defender or in coverage.
Ingle nearly snuck onto the team last season and is squarely on the bubble again this year.
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: 7 toughest cuts from our latest 53-man roster projection for Rams
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