And just like that, football is back! The Los Angeles Rams are preparing for their first preseason game of the 2024 season against the Dallas Cowboys with a joint practice against the same team on Thursday.
**Insert obligatory statement — Sean McVay doesn’t play starters in preseason**
But there will be plenty to learn about the rest of the Rams roster that do play over these next few weeks.
Los Angeles Rams: Defensive Players to Watch In Preseason Week 1
Defensive Line Rotation
Across the board, the Los Angeles Rams’ depth at the defensive line is either inexperienced or young, and in most cases both. No unit has more to prove this season. Even when they did have Aaron Donald, the Rams defense struggled to get consistent pressure.
The big question mark is Bobby Brown, who is in the last season of his rookie contract. Thus far he hasn’t played more than 28 percent of defensive snaps. He may be included in the resting players, but could also be in the mix against the Cowboys.
Watching second-year players Nick Hampton and Ochaun Matthis compete with rookie Brennan Jackson will reveal a lot about the Rams’ depth along the edge.
Desjuan Johnson and Larrell Murchison will likely get a lot of playing time against Dallas and expect to see plenty of rookie sixth-rounder Tyler Davis.
Olakunle Fatukasi
The Rams will be looking for the four best linebackers to keep heading into the season. Outside of Ernest Jones, the rest of the three spots are up for grabs. Christian Rozeboom has been the other starter, but even he can be unseated this year.
Jake Hummel and Troy Reeder made the team last year but will compete with a bevy of talent looking for a roster spot. Olakunle Fatukasi made several great plays at training camp and is LAFB’s front-runner to make the roster.
These depth pieces will also garner a lot of time on special teams, a huge area of concern for the Rams.
Tre Tomlinson
On most teams, a 6th round draft pick doesn’t HAVE to become a contributor. For the Los Angeles Rams, they do. In his rookie season of 2023, Tre’Vius Tomlinson played less than four percent of defensive snaps.
The 5’9″ 180-pound cornerback needs to prove that he can stick with big outside NFL receivers without fouling. Luckily, the Rams re-signed Darious Williams. He is the quintessential 5’9″ outside corner in the league.
The Rams have added depth to their secondary, but most are short-term answers. His development isn’t crucial for this season but in 2025 and 2026.
