Projected Practice Squad Roster

Ed "Pi Double i" Henderson

WorldWide Rams

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​In our projected 53-man roster, WorldWide Rams listed a projected practice squad roster too. The following players were as followed:

QB Luis Perez
RB Larry Rose III
WR KhaDarel Hodge
TE Henry Krieger-Coble
C Jake Eldrenkamp
DT Chunky Clements
LB Tegray Scales
DB Dominique Hatfield
S ***Nate Holley, ***Steven Parker,*** Afolabi Laguda 
​
*** (denotes if Isaiah Johnson made 53-man Roster)

​The Ram's former tight end Temarrick Hemingway and EDGE Ejuan Price are players that were surprise cuts from the Rams roster.  Hemingway was in his third season after being drafted from South Carolina St. in the sixth round of the 2016 NFL Draft.

Ejuan Price, on the other hand, was drafted in the seventh round of the 2017 NFL Draft from the University of Pittsburgh. Price made the Rams initial 53-man roster. However, every game day he became one of the eight inactive roster players. In my opinion, I felt that he played well in this preseason to survive the initial cut. However, it appeared that he didn't get enough done to outshine the Rams rookie draft selections.

In the fourth round of the 2018 NFL Draft, the Rams selected John Franklin-Meyers defensive end out of Stephen F. Austin in the sixth round, Trevon Young defensive end from Louisville, and in the seventh round defensive end Justin Lawler from SMU. Young was inactive his first three preseason games because he was nursing an injured ankle. However, he did enough to impress Rams defensive coordinator Wade Phillips in the Rams final preseason game against the New Orleans Saints.

WorldWide Rams have provided you with our projected practice squad roster as the 53-man roster is set:

QB Luis Perez
RB Larry Rose III
C Jake Eldrenkamp
DB Dominique Hatfield
DB Steven Parker
TE Henry Krieger-Coble
WR KhaDarel Hodge
EDGE Ejuan Price
OL Aaron Neary
OL Antonio Garcia  (Claimed off Waivers from New York Jets) ​

​Quarterback Luis Perez is a bright and talented kid that has a big arm. He never was afforded the opportunity to demonstrate his ability. He played approximately 26 minutes against the Saints where his numbers were fair. Playing collegiately at Texas A&M Commerce, not much exposure Perez was able to lead his team to National Championship. Rams adding Perez to practice squad is to develop him as a quality backup in the league potentially.
 
​Running back Larry Rose III, signed days before the Rams game against the Saints. He had one costly fumble while trying to fight for yardage. He was able to get several yards on his carries, but he did have a 22-yard run while the Rams were on their two-yard line. As with Perez, his opportunities were limited and now has resigned to develop.

Dominique Hatfield, a cornerback that has spent time on the Rams active roster last season. Played at the University of Utah, he busts on the scene after trying out for the team and miraculously made the final 53-man roster as a rookie undrafted free agent. He played in 11 games before being waived shortly after injuring his hip.  The Rams acquired Marcus Peters and Aqib Talib via trades and resigning Nickell Robey-Coleman, his window of opportunity diminished. There was an additional competition that Hatfield had to compete with third-year cornerback Troy Hill and free agent veteran cornerback Sam Shields. Shields removed himself from the game due to the reoccurrence of concussions; however he seemed to put those behind him to make the team.

Steven Parker, a rookie safety from the University of Oklahoma, went undrafted in 2018 NFL Draft. Parker started off strong in camp and showed tremendous skills when giving time this preseason. He was able to make a fantastic interception against the Saints as he extended out in the air to create a tremendous turnover. In college, he had the knack of creating turnovers with his punishing hits and ability to strip the ball from the runners. Expect Parker at some point of the season to be promoted to the active roster.

Receiver KhaDarel Hodge, in my opinion, was snubbed from making the 53-man roster as the Rams were optimistic that he would clear waivers. Hodge was the most productive receiver during the preseason making tremendous catches one after the other. Receiver Mike Thomas is the one person that stood in the way of the Prairie View A&M product. Hodge impressed not only the coaching staff but also became a fan favorite. If there's any slacking of Thomas or even Pharoh Cooper, Hodge will get promoted to active roster without any hesitation.

Henry Krieger Coble, the tight end in the second season from the University of Iowa, seemed to turn it on late in the pre-season. Rams decided to carry only three tight ends; they cut Krieger-Coble as well as Hemingway. He's solid pass-catching tight end who can also provide some downhill blocking. Expect to see him promoted during the season.

​Edge-rusher Ejuan Price a player who made the Rams 2017 53-man final roster, was a surprise to see released. Price, in my opinion, played well in the preseason, but the organization seemed much fit with the rookies they drafted. Price will be a player that will be promoted soon this season.

Aaron Neary was signed by the Rams in 2017 and shuffled back and forth to the practice squad. Neary's, center is his natural position, but can also play at guard and some tackle. He will return to the practice squad and continue to develop under offensive line coach Aaron Kromer.

The waiver list, the Rams are listed at #23 to claim a player off waivers. At the bottom tier, they were fortunate to claim offensive lineman Antonio Garcia. The Rams invited Garcia to the facility for a workout and were on their board to select if he was still available. Drafted in the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft,  New England Patriots selected Garcia with #85th overall pick. 

Earlier this year the Patriots released Garcia and revealed his termination was due to he developed blood clots in his lungs and couldn't practice resulting in him losing over 40-pounds.  The New York Jets claimed Garcia off waivers this past spring; however, he didn't survive the final cuts.

Garcia rated as high as a first-round selection; however, he fell to the third round. As a polished offensive tackle, he has excellent balance and technique. As a pass blocker, he keeps a broad and open base and extends his arm out preventing the defender to get inside his chest. As a run blocker or pass blocker his blocks such as an angry blocker.

Jake Eldrenkamp was on the Rams previous practice squad list. Eldrenkamp played tackle at the University of Washington. Since playing at Washington, he's been converted to a center, as well as offensive guard too. Eldrenkamp can continue work on his technique and strength to develop better skills. 

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