St. Louis Rams: 5 Darkhorse Candidates to Make the 53-Man Roster

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Emory Blake, WR

Blake got a big boost this summer when sixth-rounder Bud Sasser was found to have a heart condition that will prevent him from ever getting on the field. The Rams didn’t bring in another receiver to fill the spot, so Blake moved up one spot in the pecking order among the Rams’ receivers.

The team will keep at least five wideouts this season, but it’s possible that they’ll carry six considering that they figure to keep less running backs than in recent years, while they could use some extra support at receiver with Brian Quick still making his way back from a very serious shoulder injury suffered last October. Chris Givens has had a solid camp and looks to have the lead for the fifth spot despite being in the doghouse for much of 2014. If the Rams keep a sixth wideout or elect to move on from Givens, it will likely be either veteran Damian Williams, who is back with the Rams after spending a few games on the active roster last season, or Blake, who has spent two seasons on the Rams’ practice squad without moving up to the 53-man roster at any point.

He had one catch for 12 yards last week while seeing 14 snaps from scrimmage, so he’ll need to continue to make an impression if he wants to force himself onto the 53. We’re nearing “put up or shut up” time for Blake, so hopefully he can take advantage of the experience he’s gained through two seasons on the practice squad and push himself into the picture.

Next: Justice Cunningham, TE