In just a few days, the Los Angeles Rams will take on the Seattle Seahawks in the season opener, hopefully starting the year with a win on the road. On paper, the Rams look like the weaker team, which is evident when glancing at their first unofficial depth chart of the regular season.
The Rams released it this week and quite frankly, it’s not much different than what we saw at the start of the preseason – except for the fact that the recently cut players are now absent.
Buy Rams TicketsFor the most part, the starting lineup remains the same. The Rams list three rookie starters or co-starters, while third-year player Tutu Atwell is also one of the top three receivers. The offensive line remains unclear in this latest depth chart, with two positions listing co-starters: left tackle and center.
See the full depth chart below, broken down by offense, defense and special teams.
Offense
The Rams have Alaric Jackson and Joe Noteboom as co-starters at left tackle, but it’s become clear that Jackson will get the nod there. Noteboom has been getting reps at right guard, which seems to be his primary position now.
The same goes for center. Brian Allen and Coleman Shelton have been battling for the starting job in the middle and while Sean McVay hasn’t declared a winner, Shelton appears to be the guy.
Steve Avila is one of the three rookie starters and the only one on offense, though Puka Nacua could rise up the depth chart if Cooper Kupp misses time.
At running back and tight end, there are no surprises. Cam Akers continues to be listed as RB1 with Kyren Williams behind him, and Tyler Higbee remains the top tight end ahead of Brycen Hopkins.
Defense
At nose tackle, the Rams appear undecided on Bobby Brown III and Kobie Turner. They’re two very different players and they both should get playing time depending on the situation, but it’s all part of a remade defensive line that lost A’Shawn Robinson and Greg Gaines.
Michael Hoecht and Byron Young are still the starting edge rushers with only Zach VanValkenburg and Nick Hampton behind them. It’s a thin group that could certainly use some help.
Inside, Ernest Jones and Christian Rozeboom are the two starting linebackers, with Jake Hummel as the third option and special teams contributor.
At cornerback, Cobie Durant, Derion Kendrick and Ahkello Witherspoon are entrenched as the starters. Duke Shelley is listed as a backup behind Durant, presumably in the slot, while Tre Tomlinson is CB5.
The safety group is what’s most surprising. Jordan Fuller is predictably one starter, but it’s not John Johnson III listed alongside him as the other. It’s Russ Yeast, with Quentin Lake and Johnson as the primary backups. One would assume Johnson will start in Week 1 but maybe Yeast has done enough to hold him off.
Special teams
Ethan Evans, Brett Maher and Alex Ward will be the specialists this year. No competition there.
In the return game, Puka Nacua and Kyren Williams will handle punts, while Williams and Ronnie Rivers will be the primary kick returners.
