The Los Angeles Rams' selection of Tim Keenan III in the seventh round of the NFL draft initially suggested a promising future for the defensive lineman. However, as the team approaches final roster cutdowns, it appears that Keenan may be at risk of not making the final 53-man roster.
The Rams have a notably competitive roster, which complicates the chances for draft picks to secure a spot. This was evident last year when the team cut linebacker Chris Paul Jr., a fifth-round draft choice, marking the first time since 2019 that a Rams draft pick was released as a rookie.
Keenan was considered a potential draft steal due to his strong performance as a run defender at Alabama. His age and experience led to expectations that he could contribute early on, potentially serving as a future replacement for Poona Ford, whose contract allows for an exit after the 2026 season.
The Rams envisioned Keenan developing in a similar manner to past players like Greg Gaines and Sebastian Joseph-Day.
Despite these expectations, Keenan's preseason performance has raised concerns. With the Rams' defensive line depth, he has struggled to make a significant impact, currently ranking 108th out of 110 defensive linemen with an overall grade of 30.0 from Pro Football Focus. His run defense grade of 29.7 places him 102nd, although he has recorded a run stop rate of 11.1 percent.
The depth of the Rams' defensive line further complicates Keenan's situation. Ty Hamilton's absence in the second preseason game suggests he may secure a roster spot, and the potential return of Aaron Donald could make it challenging to include seven defensive linemen on the roster.
