The LA Rams may have a full roster, but if a player displays a highly competitive personna, should the team make room to get a more direct and first-hand opportunity to witness, coach, and analyze that player? Well, that’s the dilemma facing the team’s front office right now, as the UFL spring season of football has come to a close, and the stars of the UFL are done until next season.
And I have to say that some players certainly put on a great show in the inaugural season of the newly formed league.
And I have to say that some players certainly put on a great show in the inaugural season of the newly formed league.
While the Rams have concluded OTAs, they still have Mandatory Minicamp, Training Camp, and Preseason games ahead on this summer’s football schedule. With so many more sessions to prepare for the 2024 NFL season, if the team should add a player from the UFL, the team would have plenty of time and opportunity to prepare them for what lies ahead. The thing is, do any UFL players warrant consideration? I suspect that some do deserve to be given serious consideration. Here are a few players who could be worth giving a chance:
K Jake Bates
Many NFL fans were introduced to kicker Jake Bates through his remarkable performances in the UFL, where he garnered attention by consistently nailing 60+ yard field goals over consecutive weeks. His impressive feats not only elevated the profile of the UFL but also put the Michigan Panthers in the spotlight. Rams supporters, particularly concerned about their team’s kicking situation, fervently advocated for Bates to join their ranks following the conclusion of the UFL season. However, the fervor surrounding Bates seems to have diminished with the Rams’ acquisition of former Stanford kicker Josua Karty in the draft.
OL Bobby Evans
Former Rams offensive lineman Bobby Evans did not have much luck with or after playing for the Rams in four seasons. But he has not faded away as some may have expected. Instead, he has managed to jump-start his football career by outstanding play for the UFL as an offensive tackle. The question is, can he use that positive momentum to relaunch his NFL career?
Although the Rams have a plethora of talented offensive linemen to evaluate, it’s crucial not to underestimate the value of Evans’ past contributions as a plug-and-play starter for the team. His proven ability to excel in the UFL underscores his potential to make a meaningful impact once again. This track record alone may justify giving Evans another opportunity to showcase his skills on the field.
WR Hakeem Butler
If the Rams are still seeking a tall wide receiver, then UFL OPOY Hakeem Butler certainly deserves consideration. Standing 6-foot-5 and weighing 227 pounds, Butler was drafted with the 109th overall pick in Round 4 of the 2019 NFL Draft by the Arizona Cardinals, before he toggled among several NFL teams. He ultimately did appear in two games for the Philadelphia Eagles, being targeted once without a reception. Well, he is catching passes now:
In the NFL, Butler was often considered a hybrid between a tight end and wide receiver, blending the qualities of both positions. His standout performance in the UFL suggests that he may have honed the skills necessary to thrive in the NFL. Given the Rams’ apparent emphasis on acquiring taller receivers this offseason, their keen interest in players like Butler speaks volumes about his potential fit within their roster and offensive scheme.
DE Breeland Speaks
Even as the roster appears to be saturated with potential pass rushers for the 2024 NFL season, there are plenty of questions surrounding the young players who have mastered the potential but are still learning how to convert that into production. Former Kansas City Chiefs defender Breeland Speaks does not seem to possess that limitation.
Standing 6-foot-3 and weighing 285 pounds, Speaks only lasted one season with the Chiefs, putting up 1.5 quarterback sacks and 24 tackles in 2018. Like many players in this article, he bounced around among several NFL teams, never claiming a roster spot. But now, he has shown up in the UFL spotlight:
Of course, piling up 9.5 quarterback sacks certainly deserves a moment at center stage. Could he deserve a chance with the LA Rams? Well, admittedly the team is seeking players at the defensive end role.
Other UFL sack masters worth considering
Of course, the UFL offers several players who could be worth considering for a role with the team this season. Here is a list of the leagues top sack leaders:
The list may not strike readers as top-end talent, but keep in mind that teams played a 10-game season. Thar works out to just 58.8 percent of the games that NFL teams play. Keeping that in mind, Brahmas OLB Wyatt Ray’s 5.5 QB sacks is the NFL equivalent of 9.4 QB sacks. That places him at the same plateau of Rams second-year DT Kobie Turner. That is not too shabby.
While the Rams may or may not offer a contract to any UFL players, some are truly worth considering. And who knows? Stafs of the UFL could become future stars of the NFL too. They simply need an opportunity.
