Training camp is an enlightening time in the NFL. This period marks the ramp-up frame toward the preseason, then the start of the regular season.
Camp allows teams to pit players against each other to determine the best player for a starting job. The Los Angeles Rams are no different in this regard. The Rams might have among the most training camp battles in the league.
There are several more roles to be won than the battles below. However, these are some intriguing position battles to watch if you attend an open Rams training camp.
Battle #1 Punter
This competition is not the sexiest, but it is an important one. The Rams will not be able to score on every possession. Therefore, having a good punter will be helpful for the team.
The Rams had one of the best in the game, Johnny Hekker, but released him for cap purposes. As a result, the team will have a battle for the position.
This one pits Riley Dixon against rookie Cameron Dicker.
Fans are unable to come to a consensus on who the punter will be. It should be a great battle determined by who can be the most effective.
@camerondicker punter https://t.co/x7rRbXcFSC
— LA Rams Draft Day 2024🏟️YouPancakeEatingMotherF** (@MattStaffordQB1) May 24, 2022
Punting is more than just kicking the ball as far as you can. It is about the speed in which you can do it, the ability to do it in the elements and, more often than not, be the holder for field goals.
In the case of Dicker, he is a former kicker. Therefore, he might have a leg up on the competition due to his diversity. Dicker is predicted to make the All-Rookie team, after all.
#2 – the battles in the trenches
This battle will feature several players. However, one has high expectations.
Logan Bruss was the top pick for the Rams this year. As such, he is the favorite to walk away with the position.
Although, it won’t be easy. Bruss will compete against just about every other interior offensive lineman on the roster for the job. If successful, he will be the starting right guard; if unsuccessful, he likely makes the team as a backup.
A lot is riding on the interior offensive line to open holes for the running attack.
#3 The battle to back up Tyler Higbee
Tyler Higbee is starting at tight end for the Rams. However, he has missed time in the past. He missed a couple of games last season.
Higbee was notably absent for the Super Bowl, leaving Kendall Blanton to start in his place. He returned during minicamp, but Higbee’s injury history could lead to some missed time this season.
Blanton started both games Higbee missed last year and played decently well. However, the production at the position was not the same.
This season, Blanton has competition in the form of younger players. Will Blanton win the battle for backup supremacy, or will someone else take the spot from him?
Other battles to look out for are the second edge rusher and strong safety, to name a couple.
