Shane Gray (Missouri Sports Magazine)
With the first of two NFL roster cuts coming Monday around the league, it is time to take a first stab at the St. Louis Rams opening day roster and practice squad with some brief analysis and commentary.
Projected 53 Man Roster Discussion and Numbers Outlook-
Quarterbacks: (3)Â
Locks: Sam Bradford, Kellen Clemens and Austin Davis
By now St. Louis has to realize that Davis will not last long on the practice squad. For that reason, plus the fact that he could eventually challenge for the No. 2 job, he sticks. Some discussion occurred last night on the Rams Broadcasting Network that Clemens might not be a lock considering he played so deep into the game, however, they admitted that their discussion was purely speculative.
Running Backs: (4 or 5)
Locks: Steven Jackson, Isaiah Pead and Daryl Richardson plus Ovie Mughelli and/or Brit Miller
One or Both: Ovie Mughelli and/or Brit Miller
St. Louis will go with the trio of Jackson, Pead and Richardson at running back. It will be interesting to see if the Rams keep two guys at fullback. If they do, Mughelli and Miller are both locks. If they keep just one, your guess is as good as mine. Mughelli has the more impressive resume with a Pro Bowl appearance listed there, however, Miller knows the offense better and has been slow to relinquish his starting spot from a season ago.
Wide Receiver (6)
Locks: Danny Amendola, Brian Quick, Chris Givens, Steve Smith, (Austin Pettis), Brandon Gibson and Greg Salas.
Outside Shot: Danario Alexander
Pettis is suspended the first two games of the season and that opens up at least a two week extended trial for whoever grabs the last spot, Salas, Gibson or Alexander. In essence, assuming the Rams keep Pettis, they will retain seven guys with just six counting towards the 53.
As for Alexander, his prospects appear grim after only participating in two full practices since training camp began. He has to hope that the coaching staff bases their evaluation off of his tape, big play per catch average and some plays he made during the offseason. If not, his next best shot at staying with St. Louis would be a trip to the injured reserve and a year to get himself healthy. Considering his league minimum salary, the latter idea could potentially be at least a slight possibility.
Tight Ends: (4)Â
Locks: Lance Kendricks, Matthew Mulligan and Michael Hoomanawanui
Fourth Spot: Mike McNeill with Cory Harkey and/or DeAngelo Peterson in the running.
Hoomanawunui came on late in camp following an offseason injury and had two nice catches against the Cowboys. He has likely shown himself healthy and productive enough to have locked up a spot. The only way Hoomanawaui would not be retained would be in the event of a trade. (And no, there are no trade rumors regarding Hoomanawanui that I am aware of.)
I believe St. Louis will keep four tight ends with the final job going to either St. Louis native McNeill (who got some first team reps against Dallas), Harkey or Peterson. If it were up to me, I probably go with Harkey, who has displayed good blocking skills, nice athleticism and very good hands. His 6’4″, 260  pound frame is impressive, too. He looks like a guy a young team could build with.
Offensive Line: (8)
Locks: Rodger Saffold, Scott Wells, Harvey Dahl, Barry Richardson, Robert Turner, Quinn Ojinnaka and Jason Smith.
Last Spot: Likely to Kevin Hughes with Jose Valdez or Bryan Mattison in contention.
With center Wells recently back from injury and the strong performance in camp by Turner in his place, Turner is a lock, particularly when also considering his ability to play some guard. That said, someone who can play tackle looks to be a consideration, making Hughes or even Valdez perhaps more likely to stick than Mattison. At this time, I lean towards Hughes.
Defensive Line: (9)
Locks: Chris Long, Michael Brockers, Kendall Langford, Robert Quinn, William Hayes, Matthew Conraith, Jermelle Cudjo and Eugene Sims
Last Spot: Trevor Laws would appear likely here.
Even though he has been injured, if St. Louis keeps nine defensive lineman I give the edge for the last spot to Laws although I would not bet on that. If Laws is not retained, Darell Scott or Cornell Banks may have an outside shot.
Linebackers: (6 or 7)
Locks: James Laurinaitis, Jo-Lonn Dunbar, Rocky McIntosh, Josh Hull and Mario Haggan
Final Spot: Aaron Brown and/or Justin Cole
Other Possibilities: Sammy Brown or Alex-Hoffman Ellis
Looks of intrigue here as to whether the Rams keep six linebackers or seven as well as who grabs the last spot (or two.) Right now, I give Cole and Brown the best shot and lean towards Brown if St. Louis keeps just six.
Cornerbacks: (5)
Locks: Cortland Finnegan, Janoris Jenkins, Jerome Murphy, Bradley Fletcher and Trumaine Johnson
Following the trade of Josh Gordy, this position is perhaps more stable than any other in terms of the 53 man roster and who will land upon it.
Safety: (4)
Locks: Quintin Mikell and Darian Stewart
Likely Lock: Craig Dahl
Looking Good: Rodney McLeod
In the Mix: Matt Daniels
Considering the lack of proven depth at the position, Dahl is about as close to a lock as you can get, in spite of his obvious deficiencies in pass coverage.
The fourth safety spot, wide open entering camp, looks to be heading towards McLeod at this time. However, fellow rookie Daniels should survive the first cut and could make a push before the final cut.
Specialists: (3)
Locks: Greg Zuerlein, Johnny Hekker and Jake McQuaide.
This position also appears to be set with Zuerlein looking like a Pro Bowl candidate and Hekker already locking up the team’s punting job. McQuaide, a long snapper, looks to have secured a spot, too.
To arrive at 53, St. Louis will likely either keep four at running back or six at linebacker. Another option would be to keep just two quarterbacks. However, Davis had looked too good to try and sneak onto the practice squad but yet too inexperienced to earn the No. 2 job quite yet.
It will be interesting to see what transpires in regard to the numbers at the aforementioned positions.
Practice Squad Projections
Of course, it is nearly impossible to project the practice squad before the 53 man roster has been compiled.
That said, teams can carry eight players here. Depending on who makes it to the 53, here are my top  candidates for the PS:
-Running back Calvin Middleton
-Tight end Cory Harkey or DeAngelo Peterson
-Defensive end Jamaar Jarrett
-Linebackers Alex Hoffman-Ellis and Sammy Brown
-Safety Matt Daniels
-Cornerback Kendric Burney
Photos by Michael Thomas, NFL Photographer (Copyright MSM Images)Â
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