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With so much roster turnover in the offseason, the Los Angeles Rams rookies will have legitimate shots to contribute from Day 1 during the 2023 season.
Positional battles will take place on both sides of the field during training camp, with the defense having a fair share of starting spots up for grabs. However, the offense will also have snaps available as Sean McVay likes to mix in various packages throughout games.
Los Angeles added a couple of skill position players in Puka Nacua and Davis Allen during Day 3 of the 2023 NFL Draft. Nacua is a physical receiver who likes playing through contact, while Allen is great at coming down with contested balls due to his size and frame. While the receiver room features Cooper Kupp and Van Jefferson, the tight end group outside of Tyler Higbee leaves much to be desired.
Both rookies have a chance to make an impact right away and the first step to doing so came to pass as the Rams signed them to contracts, via Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston:
#Rams signed fifth-round picks Davis Allen and Puka Nacua
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) June 20, 2023
With Nacua and Allen officially under contract, Los Angeles has managed to sign six of the 14 players from their draft class. The other four players are Steve Avila, Jason Taylor, Ethan Evans and Desjuan Johnson. The eight remaining unsigned players are Byron Young, Kobie Turner, Stetson Bennett, Nick Hampton, Warren McClendon Jr., Tre’Vius Hodges-Tomlinson, Ochaun Mathis and Zach Evans.
While Allen will likely take at least a season to develop in McVay’s system, Nacua has already made an argument to take over the No. 3 receiver spot. Throughout the team’s workouts and offseason activities, Nacua has drawn rave reviews and appears ahead of the curve.
The rest of Los Angeles’ draft class should agree to terms shortly as training camp is around the corner, and it’ll be interesting to see who makes a name for themselves in the coming weeks.
Rams bring back Sony Michel on one-year deal
McVay and the offense will be looking to bounce back after a dismal 2022 season that saw them below average in numerous categories. With better injury luck and more talent on the roster, there’s optimism that the Rams will look much more like their former selves.
The backfield outside of Cam Akers remains a question mark as Kyren Williams and Zach Evans will be unproven options. With that in mind, L.A. brought back a familiar face in Sony Michel in order to bolster their depth at the position.
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