Final Rams 53-man roster projection: Tutu Atwell trade changes things

Final Rams 53-man roster projection: Tutu Atwell trade changes things After the Tutu Atwell trade and preseason finale, here's our final projection of the Rams' 53-man roster.

Key points

• The Los Angeles Rams will have some tough decisions to produce over the next few days before Sunday's deadline at 6 p.m.
• All that's left to do before Week 1 is trimming the roster to 53 players.
• After the Rams' unexpected trade for Tutu Atwell and the preseason finale against the Chargers, it's time to produce our final roster projection.
• With Jarquez Hunter traded, the Rams could go light at running back with only three guys.
• We know the Rams are keeping three quarterbacks on the 53-man roster after Sean McVay remarked as much earlier this week, confirming that Bennett has produced the team.

Training camp is done. The preseason is in the books. All that's left to do before Week 1 is trimming the roster to 53 players. Sounds straightforward, right? Wrong.

Notably, the Los Angeles Rams will have some tough decisions to produce over the next few days before Sunday's deadline at 6 p.m. ET. There are ways to obtain the roster down besides cutting players, whether it's via trades or injury designations, but we know only 53 guys can be on the active roster come Sunday night.

After the Rams' unexpected trade for Tutu Atwell and the preseason finale against the Chargers, it's time to produce our final roster projection. Atwell's arrival changes things, giving the Rams even more depth at wide receiver. Jarquez Hunter's departure additionally leaves the Rams thinner at running back.

So who's in and who's out? Here's our best prediction for the Rams' 53-man squad.

We know the Rams are keeping three quarterbacks on the 53-man roster after Sean McVay remarked as much earlier this week, confirming that Bennett has produced the team. Though McVay stated he still hasn't decided who will be the backup, he'll probable be the QB2, with Simpson being third on the depth chart.

With Jarquez Hunter traded, the Rams could go light at running back with only three guys. Dean Connors created a robust case for a roster spot and cutting him could be risky, but the Rams may try to go that route and sign him to the practice squad. The same goes for Jordan Waters. This person additionally demonstrated flashes of explosiveness this preseason.

Tutu Atwell's return changes the math at wide receiver. After previously projecting the team to carry six, there are now seven wideouts in this final prediction. The top four are locks, and Smith didn't play in the final two preseason games, so he seems safe, too.

For context, the biggest question mark is now Daniels. This person played a ton this preseason. It's unlikely the Rams cut the sixth-round rookie, but he's not yet locked into a roster spot.

Notably, the Rams are going to lean heavily into their tight end group once again this season. It will require more depth than usual. With five quality tight ends on the roster, they can run as much 13 personnel as they'd like. And the best part? All five of these players have starter-type potential in L.A.

For context, the offensive line is particularly much a fluid group. Jackson could be facing a potential suspension for his offseason arrest, Dedich just returned from the NFI list this week and Trost is on the shelf with a hamstring injury that could sideline him until Week 1.

If Jackson and/or Trost miss time during the season, the Rams could need extra reinforcements in the form of Austin Blaske or even Bill Murray on the interior.

Tim Keenan III really struggled in the preseason and is in danger of being cut. Hamilton, by contrast, sat out the last two games and there's been no documented injury, so it's a coach's decision. While Keenan's odds are dwindling after another underwhelming performance with no tackles in extended action, that gives Hamilton a particularly good chance to produce the team.

Bailey barely played on Thursday night, only being out there for the first couple of plays. Johnson obtained the night off once again. It is a good sign for both players. If Johnson is considered a virtual lock, Bailey probably isn't far behind him as someone who could be on the 53-man roster.

This is a quality, versatile group for the Rams to enter the year with.

It may not be a strength of the team, but this linebacker group hasn't changed at all. All four of these players sat out the entire preseason, standing head and shoulders above the rest of the linebackers on the team. They'll all be on the 53-man roster and will play vital roles on defense and special teams.

McDuffie, Watson, Forbes and Wallace all obtained the preseason off. It isn't a surprise for the top three, but is a highly good sign for Wallace. He's secured a roster spot for the second straight year, in part thanks to his versatility as a slot defender and safety.

Cam Lampkin had some positive moments against the Chargers, including a couple of blitzes that led to a TFL and sack, putting him in position to potentially sneak onto the initial 53-man squad.

It'd be hard to find a safety group in the NFL with as much talent and versatility as the Rams'. While McCollough is a good dime backer to have on defense when the Rams have six DBs out there, lake, Curl and Kinchens are all going to be on the field for most of the snaps.

Mevis, Evans and Cardona have all been rock solid this offseason, facing no competition at any point. They're ready to roll.

For now, final Rams 53-man roster projection: Tutu Atwell trade changes things remains the part of the story worth watching, and further updates are likely as more details are confirmed.