Can Rams offseason roster moves: UDFA linemen and Forbes fifth-year option boost camp competition?

Rams Offseason Roster Moves

UDFA linemen and Forbes fifth-year option headline a tense, zero sum roster battle in Los Angeles. Front office decisions will shape the 53-man roster. We will focus on undrafted offensive linemen and the contract choice regarding Emmanuel Forbes.

This analytical breakdown will examine the three UDFA offensive linemen the Rams signed after the draft, including Chad Lindberg, Austin Blaske, and Bryce Henderson, and evaluate their physical traits, positional floor, and practice squad odds based on measurable testing, college experience, and scheme fit; however, it will also unpack the business logic behind declining or exercising the fifth year on Emmanuel Forbes because that choice affects future cap flexibility, cornerback depth, and the team’s short-term continuity, and link that context to Keegan Trost as a likely roster lock, David Quessenberry’s veteran presence, and the interior tackle competition.

Therefore readers should expect an evidence-driven look at roster math, developmental timelines, and contract implications.

Rams offseason roster moves: UDFA linemen and Forbes fifth-year option

The Rams signed three undrafted offensive linemen with clear developmental ceilings and long odds to make the 53 man roster. Chad Lindberg, Austin Blaske and Bryce Henderson offer length and positional versatility, but they enter a crowded room behind Keegan Trost and veteran David Quessenberry. Therefore the club projects them mainly as camp bodies and practice squad candidates unless one posts an unusually strong camp.

Key measurables and notes for each player

• Chad Lindberg, 6 feet 7 inches, 320 pounds. Arm length 34 inches, hands 9 3/4 inches. Shuttle 4.90 seconds. Three cone 7.91 seconds. Vertical 29 inches. Broad jump 8 feet 5 inches. Lindberg shows size and some versatility, but he is described as athletically challenged.
• Austin Blaske, 6 feet 5 inches, 310 pounds. Arm length 33 inches, hands 9 inches. Relative Athletic Score 8.59. Forty yard 5.20 seconds. Ten yard split 1.73 seconds. Bench press 25 reps. Vertical 29 inches. Broad 8 feet 8 inches. Shuttle 4.75 seconds. Three cone 7.39 seconds. Blaske projects best as a center and therefore has a higher floor because of snap and interior technique.
• Bryce Henderson, 6 feet 8 inches, 330 pounds. Nearly 35 inch arms, hands 10 5/8 inches. Relative Athletic Score 6.41. Forty yard 5.32 seconds. Ten yard 1.73 seconds. Shuttle 4.80 seconds. Three cone 8.18 seconds. Bench press 23 reps. Vertical 25.5 inches. Broad 8 feet 5 inches. Henderson is a true developmental prospect with upside in time.

Scouting context and quotes

Coaches and evaluators were blunt: “All three are long shots.” Additionally, one scout noted, “Henderson is a monster and only one season at the FBS level, you could see his improvement later in the season.” As a result, Blaske stands out as the most pro ready, while Lindberg and Henderson will need significant coaching to earn a roster spot.

Rams offseason roster moves: UDFA linemen and Forbes fifth-year option

“The Rams declined the fifth-year option on the contract of cornerback Emmanuel Forbes, according to the NFL’s personnel notice.” Forbes did not start the final two postseason games. He played only 29 defensive snaps across those contests, which raised questions about his readiness. Therefore the front office balanced on-field concerns with financial risk when making this call.

Los Angeles also reshaped its secondary in free agency. As one report noted, “Los Angeles made this position its sole focus in free agency, signing big deals for Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson, who will man the outside spots with physicality and championship pedigree.” Consequently the team reduced its reliance on a single young slot corner to carry long term snaps.

Strategically, declining the option buys cap flexibility and roster flexibility. It lowers guaranteed dollars for 2027, and therefore gives the Rams more room to pursue depth. However it also puts pressure on player development. In short, the decision signals conservatism about immediate performance, while allowing the team to prioritize experienced starters and pursue cheaper, performance based solutions later. Ultimately this move ties back to broader roster math after the draft and the addition of UDFA linemen.

Rams offseason roster moves: UDFA linemen and Forbes fifth-year option highlight careful roster construction. The three undrafted linemen bring size and upside, but all remain long shots to reach the 53 man roster. Austin Blaske offers the clearest path because he projects as a center and therefore has a higher floor. By contrast, Chad Lindberg and Bryce Henderson require more coaching and time to develop.

Meanwhile the team declined Emmanuel Forbes fifth-year option, which signals concern about immediate performance and preserves cap flexibility. Consequently Los Angeles can prioritize experienced starters and depth in free agency while still evaluating younger players in camp. Training camp battles will decide who earns roster and practice squad spots. Ultimately these moves reflect a balance between short term competitiveness and long term development. For exclusive roster analysis see Rams News LLC and follow updates on Twitter at @ZachGatsby.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)