Thoughts of Final Preseason Cuts

Doug Nelson

WorldWide Rams

​My Thoughts On The Rams Final Preseason Cuts

With the final roster cuts of the 2017 preseason announced on Saturday, I would say there weren't too many major shocks among the decisions made by the Los Angeles Rams.
I was slightly surprised by a couple of moves, however.

I thought linebacker Josh Forrest, the former sixth-round pick out of Kentucky had a real chance to stick in view of the switch to a 3-4 defense. Forrest saw some playing time last year before suffering an ACL injury that ended his season. I thought he played well in a limited role last year, but the preseason emergence of Nic Grigsby and the apparent decision to keep Mark Barron, the former safety, at linebacker may have sealed Forrest's fate, at least for now.

Don't be surprised to see him back on an NFL roster at some point.

At running back it looks like Justin Davis, the free-agent out of USC showed the coaching staff enough to land a roster spot despite some fumbling concerns. Davis offers more of a breakaway threat than fellow backup Malcolm Brown, although Brown actually had a decent preseason. Former Dallas Cowboys running back Lance Dunbar enters the season on the PUP (Physically Unable to Perform) list, and his future with the team seems uncertain at this point.

When the Rams signed him earlier this year many observers saw him as a third-down back and primary backup to starter Todd Gurley.

A guy I thought had a chance to stick at wide receiver, former Baylor star K.D. Cannon, was also among the cuts announced on Saturday, although I understand he may be signed to the practice squad. Cannon has been timed at 4.42 in the forty yard dash and had a productive college career at Baylor. 

However, he also played in what considered a "simple" offense under former Baylor Coach Art Briles, with receivers able to essentially take plays off and not being asked to block.  

Cannon had previously been cut by the Jets and 49ers, but his speed and college numbers make him an interesting player who may be heard from again, either with the Rams or someone else. Also getting cut at wide receiver was fan-favorite Nelson Spruce, the former University of Colorado star. A knee injury suffered in the 2016 preseason kept him from getting on the field last year, and the team once again designated him as injured when he was cut on Saturday.

Meanwhile, the cut of Shakier Ryan presumably means Tavon Austin will be back returning punts again this year.  Austin, by the way, needs to have a big season in 2017 to shake the "bust" label that many have attached to the former West Virginia star and justify his huge salary.
​
One other surprise cut, at least for me was cornerback Mike Jordan, who I thought had a very good preseason. You can add him to the ''We haven't heard the last of him" list as well, in my opinion.

RSS Feed