Training camp is when roster spots are won and lost. Impress coaches during camp and earn a roster spot. Have a letdown and you could be out of a job. Every training camp, some player many have penciled in as a lock for the 53-man roster gets cut. The Los Angeles Rams begin training camp this week and will have plenty of players “on the roster bubble”.

Offense

Quarterback Brandon Allen

This will depend on two things: 1) Will the Rams keep three quarterbacks? 2) How will John Wolford perform?

The first question is already unlikely. It would be a surprise if the Rams used a third roster spot on a quarterback. The second one, however, is intriguing. Wolford dominated in the AAF and gives Sean McVay a developmental quarterback that he can mold. If Wolford outperforms Allen, he will at the very least find himself on the practice squad.

Running Back John Kelly

The Los Angeles Rams drafted John Kelly in the sixth round last season and it was presumed that he was going to be the steal of the draft. While he had a good preseason, that didn’t transfer to the regular season. Kelly was inactive most weeks. The Rams drafted Darrell Henderson this season that does what Kelly was brought to the team to do, but better. Matt Colburn also adds value as a special teams contributor and runner. The sophomore out of Tennessee will have his work cut out for him.

Wide Receiver JoJo Natson

Natson was active for 13 games last season mainly as the team’s returner. The Rams had a returner issue and Natson seemed to solve that. With that said, his roster spot is hardly guaranteed heading into training camp. Alex Bachman and Matt Colburn each have returner experience on special teams and Bachman gives more as a wide receiver. Nsimba Webster is also a player that could beat out Natson.

Tight End Johnny Mundt

Mundt made the final roster last season, serving as a blocking tight end. However, the Rams just drafted Keenan Brown, Kendall Blanton, and Romello Brooker. All three players bring more as a receiver while Tyler Higbee has significantly improved his blocking. Both Brown and Brooker should be seen as legitimate threats to make the roster and that doesn’t bode well for Mundt.

OL Aaron Neary

Neary spent all of last season on the team’s practice squad and with the departure of John Sullivan, many have thought that he could be the favorite to at least backup Brian Allen. The Rams offensive lineman must serve a four-game suspension to begin the season. That’s not a good look for someone trying to make the roster. With the likes of Vitas Hrynkiewicz and Jeremiah Kolone behind him ready to make some noise, there’s a good chance Neary comes up short.

EDGE Ogbonnia Okoronkwo

The Rams need help on the edge, but it’s uncertain if Okoronkwo can provide that spark. The sophomore spent the first part of last season on the PUP list, but even when he did return, he didn’t see the field. That’s a reason for concern. Justin Lawler, Landis Durham, and Trevon Young will all be looking to earn a spot. Another slow start and Okoronkwo could be looking for work elsewhere.

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