Matthew

Wells

Receiver J.J. Worton was also cut on Friday. A sixth-round pick of the Patriots in 2015, Wells was traded to the Bears during training camp but couldn’t survive the last round of cuts. He signed a futures deal with the Rams after joining the practice squad in November.

It’s an odd move, as Wells was a sixth-rounder in May’s draft, and Groy is a 2014 undrafted free agent. A bit of a linebacker/safety hybrid, Wells boasts sideline-to-sideline speed and athleticism. He was a big-time playmaker for Mississippi State. Wells will have to earn his rookie keep on special teams, but has the upside to become a viable sub-package player on defense.

Wells (6'2/222) made 33 starts for the Bulldogs, piling up 22 career TFLs, six sacks, and three forced fumbles. A sideline-to-sideline speedster, Wells confirmed his range with a 4.43 forty at the Mississippi State Pro Day, in addition to a 35 1/2-inch vertical and 9-foot-10 broad jump. Built like a safety, Wells could contribute in the NFL as a dime linebacker and special teamer.