Turf Show Times
Les Snead and Sean McVay have constructed a balanced group
The start to the 2025 season is counting down with the Los Angeles Rams set to open camp in two weeks, July 23. The preseason campaign is one month away, beginning with an August 9 meeting with the Dallas Cowboys.
Head coach Sean McVay starts camp with a full 90-man roster and must navigate only one serious health problem, Alaric Jackson’s recurring blood clot problem. In spring workouts. both McVay and General Manager Les Snead made mention of how tough it was going to break onto the roster. An argument can be made that this is the best supporting cast of characters since 2021.
Here’s how the training camp roster lays out according to years of NFL service. The Rams have a handful of promising stars still on their first contract, but notice how McVay and Snead have mixed in veterans at every level. The sign of well-constructed roster.
Ages as of the end of the current year are in parentheses and my way-too-early roster projection are in bold.
QB Matthew Stafford (37)
WR Davante Adams (33), QB Jimmy Garappolo (34)
Adams hasn’t shown the signs of slowing down, but the Rams do expect physicality from their wide receivers. How will they use him? I don’t see his role to mirror Cooper Kupp’s WR/TE hybrid. Garappolo has the experience to hold down the fort.
T Rob Havenstein (33)
How much longer can Hav lock down the right side? Injury has reared it’s head for two straight seasons and I thought he had lost a step last season.
TE Tyler Higbee (32), T DJ Humphries (32)
There can be no question, if Alaric Jackson misses substantial time, Humphries play will be intensely scrutinized. Higbee is back to reclaim his place at tight end and should be in the best shape/place of his career.
CB Ahkello Witherspoon (30), T David Quessenberry (35)
Two well-traveled players. Both have been backups/spot starters for the entirety of their careers.
CB Darious Williams (32), DT Poona Ford (30)
On the back ends of their respective careers. If Ford has to be double-teamed 50% of snaps, as he was last year, the Rams defensive front playmakers will feast. Williams fought soft tissue woes after returning to L.A., but was very good in 2023 and is a wily vet.
ILB Troy Reeder (31), C Coleman Shelton (30)
Two undrafted over-achievers that have carved out nice careers. Reeder’s snaps/starts have began to slide, but Shelton has 43 consecutive starts in the pivot.
S Kamren Curl (26), G Kevin Dotson (29), CB AJ Green (27), DT Larrell Murchison (28), TE Colby Parkinson (26)
Each player in this group started their NFL careers with other teams. Not a real surprise for mid-rung players.
**WR Tutu...
