LOS ANGELES -- The Los Angeles Rams open the 2023 NFL regular season on the road against the Seattle Seahawks on Sept. 10. The team that arrives at Lumen Field will be nearly unrecognizable from the one that won the Super Bowl with on Feb. 13, 2022.
The scope of that turnover has left defensive lineman Aaron Donald and middle linebacker Ernest Jones as the only defenders that started that 23-20 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals. There is a little more continuity on offense, but the Rams are paying the bill for their aggressive pursuit of the Lombardi Trophy under coach Sean McVay.
The plan this year is to let the young guys play and reassess in 2024 when Los Angeles will have more draft assets and cap space to work with, including its first first-round pick since 2016. Where that selection ends up, especially if it puts the Rams in position to draft USC's Caleb Williams, will determine what the next step looks like.
Here is the final roster projection:
QUARTERBACK (2): Matthew Stafford, Stetson Bennett
Stafford seems to be back to full health after his first two seasons in Los Angeles saw him dealing with an elbow injury in 2021 and a spinal cord contusion brought last year to a premature conclusion. Prior to Saturday's ugly two-interception performance against the Broncos, Bennett had improved as he got more reps in training camp and the preseason. Even with that poor last impression, it would make sense to get him some late-season game action if the Rams fall out of contention.
RUNNING BACK (4): Cam Akers, Kyren Williams, Ronnie Rivers, Zach Evans
Williams will be the backup to Akers, which combined with his expected work on passing downs makes him a decent stash on larger fantasy rosters where the second-year runner is still available. Royce Freeman was brought in after Sony Michel retired early in training camp but hasn't shown enough to truly challenge for a roster spot.
WIDE RECEIVER (7): Cooper Kupp, Van Jefferson, Tutu Atwell, Puka Nacua, Ben Skowronek, Demarcus Robinson, Tyler Johnson
Kupp's hamstring injury gave Atwell and Nacua more time with the starting offense to the clear benefit of the two youngsters. Having previously played with Patrick Mahomes and Lamar Jackson, Robinson has been a useful resource in helping Bennett grow. Robinson's consistency got to a point where it seems strange he hasn't received more reps with the first unit.
TIGHT END (4): Tyler Higbee, Brycen Hopkins, Hunter Long, Davis Allen
Whatever plans the Rams had for this position have been scuttled by injuries. Long started camp on the PUP list because of a groin injury, and Allen missed most of training camp after pulling his hamstring, so health will weigh heavily on how things shake out.
OFFENSIVE LINE (9): Alaric Jackson, Steve Avila, Coleman Shelton, Tremayne Anchrum Jr., Rob Havenstein, Brian Allen, Joe Noteboom, Warren McClendon, Logan Bruss
Two of the three starting spots up for grabs have been settled, with Jackson besting Noteboom in the competition at left tackle and Shelton taking charge at center. Noteboom could slot in at right guard, but an undisclosed injury that popped up late in the preseason probably kicks that decision down the road.
DEFENSIVE LINE (6): Aaron Donald, Bobby Brown III, Marquise Copeland, Kobie Turner, Earnest Brown IV, Larrell Murchison
Donald is back at his game-wrecking best, which will be critical in solidifying an otherwise unproven group. Brown IV has had his moments, and Turner should grow as a rookie, but it wouldn't be a shock if the Rams look for upgrades depending on cuts elsewhere around the league.
LINEBACKER (8): Michael Hoecht, Byron Young, Nick Hampton, Daniel Hardy, Keir Thomas, Ernest Jones, Christian Rozeboom, Jake Hummel
Hoecht and Young have displayed some intriguing potential working together at outside linebacker. The rest of the group, however, hasn't exactly flashed. While the aim is to let those youngsters take their lumps and hopefully emerge as reliable NFL players, reality might force Los Angeles to add a known-quantity veteran. The inside linebacker trio has played out as expected.
CORNERBACK (5): Ahkello Witherspoon, Cobie Durant, Tre Tomlinson, Derion Kendrick, Robert Rochell
Tomlinson is shaping up to be an absolute steal. He plays much bigger than his 5-foot-9 frame, which probably shouldn't be a surprise given his outstanding college resume at TCU. Signed in June, Witherspoon has fit the bill as an experienced option who knows what it takes to perform at this level.
SAFETY (5): Jordan Fuller, John Johnson III, Russ Yeast, Quentin Lake, Jason Taylor II
Johnson, who spent his first four seasons in Los Angeles, was a surprise mid-camp signing. There's plenty to be said for having another veteran presence around this defense, but how he fits in on the field in the context of the larger youth movement hasn't been decided. Yeast and Lake have generated excitement going in their second year as NFL players.
SPECIALISTS (3): Tanner Brown (K), Ethan Evans (P), Alex Ward (LS)
The Rams seemed like they were comfortable going with rookies at all three spots on special teams. But after Brown missed his second field goal of the preseason from 39 yards out against Denver, they will have to consider all available options at kicker.