Tim Keenan III, selected in the seventh round of the NFL draft by the Los Angeles Rams, faces an uncertain future as the team prepares for final roster cutdowns. The Rams' competitive roster has made it challenging for draft picks to secure a spot, highlighted by last year's release of fifth-round pick Chris Paul Jr., marking a rare occurrence for the team since 2019.
Keenan was initially viewed as a potential draft steal due to his strong run defense at Alabama. With expectations that he could serve as a future replacement for Poona Ford, his preseason performance has raised concerns. Currently, he ranks 108th out of 110 defensive linemen with a Pro Football Focus overall grade of 30.0, including a run defense grade of 29.7.
The depth of the Rams' defensive line complicates Keenan's situation further. The absence of Ty Hamilton in the second preseason game may allow him to secure a roster spot, while the potential return of Aaron Donald adds to the competition.
The Rams may consider cutting Keenan and attempting to re-sign him to the practice squad if he clears waivers, a strategy previously used with Dakota Allen. Keenan's performance in the upcoming game against the Chargers will be crucial in determining his future with the team.