It appears the #Rams' three-way kicker derby is over: They're expected to go with rookie seventh-round pick Sam Sloman, per sources. Sloman — from Sean McVay's alma mater, Miami (Ohio) — had been competing with former CFL all-star Lirim Hajrullahu and Austin MacGinnis.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) September 4, 2020
The Los Angeles Rams have decided on which kicker will replace Greg Zuerlein for the 2020 season. According to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network, the Rams are expected to go with Sam Sloman, who competed with Lirim Hajrullahu and Austin MacGinnis for the job in training camp.
This comes as somewhat of a surprise as it seemed Hajrullahu was the lead candidate to replace Zuerlein. He was the most consistent kicker in camp and had the most experience, spending several years in the CFL.
Sloman was drafted by the Rams in the seventh round this year, hailing from Sean McVay’s alma, Miami (Ohio).
Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press also reported the news of Sloman’s apparent victory, with Hajrullahu being waived.
Rams are waiving K Liram Hajrullahu, sounds like they'll keep rookie Sam Sloman
— Dave Birkett (@davebirkett) September 4, 2020
Based on reports out of camp, Sloman had been the least consistent kicker of the three. He went 5-for-8 in the second scrimmage and 3-for-5 in the first, which isn’t exactly a great rate of conversion.
Hajrullahu, on the other hand, was a combined 10-for-13 in the two exhibition games. MacGinnis went 9-for-13, as well.