The Calm Before Training Camp: Sorting Through the Rams’ Roster Before the Real Competition Begins

The Los Angeles Rams have reached one of the boring points of the NFL calendar.

The Los Angeles Rams have reached one of the boring points of the NFL calendar. Organized team activities are over. Mandatory minicamp has concluded. The players have scattered for a brief summer break. Training camp at Loyola Marymount University remains several weeks away. For the first time since free agency opened and the NFL Draft concluded, there are no major trades to analyze, no blockbuster rumors worth chasing, and very few legitimate questions left for the organization to answer.

In reality, there is only one significant piece of unfinished business remaining before training camp opens, a long-term contract extension for Kevin Dotson.

Assuming Dotson and the Rams finalize a deal before camp begins which they better do, the vast majority of the organization’s offseason work is already complete. The roster has been reshaped. The defense has been rebuilt. The secondary has been upgraded. Myles Garrett now anchors the defense. Matthew Stafford remains the reigning NFL MVP. At this point, the conversation shifts away from acquisitions and toward evaluation.

The challenge is determining exactly what this roster looks like before the pads come on.

That sounds simple until you actually start comparing depth charts.

One of the exercises of the offseason has been attempting to find a depth chart that accurately reflects where the Rams stand today. ESPN, CBS, Ourlads, NFL.com, Rams.com, and various independent outlets all seem to be set up differently for the most part. Some remain outdated. Some barely list enough players to evaluate the bottom half of the roster. Others still contain information that no longer reflects the current reality of the team.

The result is that projecting the Rams’ training camp roster required relying primarily on the Ourlads depth chart, while using ESPN's depth chart as a secondary reference.

The quarterback room is perhaps the easiest place to begin because there is virtually no mystery at the top. Stafford remains the unquestioned starter and the centerpiece of the franchise. Despite endless offseason discussions regarding succession plans, future replacements, and developmental quarterbacks, the reality remains unchanged. Stafford is coming off an MVP season and remains one of the most dangerous quarterbacks in football.

Behind him, Ty Simpson appears firmly positioned to become the primary backup. The Rams invested significant draft capital in acquiring him, and the organization clearly views him as an important part of its future plans. Personally, I believe Stetson Bennett enters training camp with a strong chance to earn the backup role. At the very least, he appears well-positioned to retain the third-quarterback spot. Meanwhile, Matthew Caldwell currently projects as a developmental player whose most realistic path to the roster may be through the practice squad.

Current quarterback projection:

QB1 – Matthew Stafford
QB2 – Ty Simpson
QB3 – Stetson Bennett

Practice Squad Candidate: Matthew Caldwell

The running back room appears equally stable. The Rams possess one of the strongest running back tandems in football, and both players seem to have improved with each passing season. Kyren Williams remains one of the offensive cornerstones and continues to be among the most important skill players on the roster. Blake Corum enters his second season with growing expectations and should continue expanding his role within the offense. Jarquez Hunter’s draft status makes him a strong candidate to secure a roster spot immediately.

The most interesting battle may occur near the bottom of the room. Ronnie Rivers remains a trusted contributor who understands the offense and contributes on special teams. Jordan Waters and Dean Connors will need outstanding camps to force their way into the final roster discussion.

Current running back projection:

RB1 – Kyren Williams
RB2 – Blake Corum
RB3 – Jarquez Hunter
RB4 – Ronnie Rivers

Bubble: Jordan Waters
Practice Squad Candidate: Dean Connors

The wide receiver room may ultimately produce one of the most competitive battles of the entire summer. Davante Adams and Puka Nacua immediately form one of the strongest receiving combinations in football. Jordan Whittington has established himself as a legitimate contributor and appears firmly positioned on the roster.

Beyond those three, the competition intensifies considerably. Konata Mumpfield spent last season as a depth piece near the bottom of the wide receiver rotation, while C.J. Daniels arrives with developmental upside and organizational investment behind him. Tyler Scott, Xavier Smith, Brennan Presley, Tru Edwards, and Mario Williams all enter training camp fighting for what may ultimately be a single roster position.

Current wide receiver projection:

WR1 – Davante Adams
WR2 – Puka Nacua
WR3 – Jordan Whittington
WR4 – Konata Mumpfield
WR5 – C.J. Daniels
WR6 – Tyler Scott

Bubble: Xavier Smith, Brennan Presley, Tru Edwards, Mario Williams

Perhaps no offensive position group reveals more about Sean McVay’s evolving vision than tight end. Tyler Higbee remains the veteran leader. Colby Parkinson continues to provide size and versatility. Terrance Ferguson is a returning second-year player. He carved out a highly efficient, specialized vertical role in Sean McVay’s offense last year. Davis Allen enters camp locked in as the No. 2 Tight End on the depth chart. He sits directly behind veteran starter Colby Parkinson and right ahead of sophomore vertical threat Terrance Ferguson.

Behind them sits a competitive group that includes Max Klare, Dan Villari, Mark Redman, and Rohan Jones. Given McVay’s increasing interest in heavier personnel packages and multiple-tight-end formations, this is the deepest position group on the roster. I also doubt many teams in NFL history have entered training camp with eight tight ends competing for roster spots. And yes, this is not an error or a typo. As of today, the Rams have eight tight ends on the roster.

If they decide to carry five, then players such as Max Klare, Dan Villari, Mark Redman, and Rohan Jones could become legitimate factors in the competition for that additional spot.

Current tight end projection:

TE1 – Tyler Higbee
TE2 – Colby Parkinson
TE3 – Terrance Ferguson
TE4 – Davis Allen

Bubble: Max Klare
Developmental: Dan Villari, Mark Redman, Rohan Jones

The offensive line remains the foundation of everything the Rams hope to accomplish offensively. Alaric Jackson, Steve Avila, Coleman Shelton, Kevin Dotson, and Warren McClendon currently project as the starting unit. Dotson’s contract situation remains the final significant piece of offseason business because securing him long-term would further solidify what has become one of the roster’s strengths.

Behind the starters, Beaux Limmer appears safely positioned due to his versatility. Justin Dedich and veteran David Quessenberry provide important depth. AJ Arcuri, Dylan McMahon, Austin Blaske, Wyatt Bowles, Keagen Trost, and Bryce Henderson will spend camp battling for developmental opportunities and potentially one final roster position.

Current offensive line projection:

LT – Alaric Jackson
LG – Steve Avila
C – Coleman Shelton
RG – Kevin Dotson
RT – Warren McClendon

Key Depth:
Beaux Limmer
Justin Dedich
David Quessenberry
AJ Arcuri

Defensively, everything begins with the front.

The acquisition of Myles Garrett fundamentally changed the structure of the defense. Garrett immediately becomes the centerpiece, but what makes the move so fascinating is that he joins a defensive front that already contained significant young talent. Braden Fiske enters his second season carrying substantial expectations after flashing disruptive ability as a rookie. Kobie Turner has already established himself as one of the organization’s most important defenders. Poona Ford brings proven veteran stability to the interior. Tyler Davis and Larrell Murchison provide valuable depth and experience.

Further down the depth chart, Tim Keenan III, Ty Hamilton, Bill Norton, Jaxson Moi, and Payton Zdroik will attempt to force their way into the final roster conversation.

Current defensive line projection:

Braden Fiske
Kobie Turner
Poona Ford
Tyler Davis
Larrell Murchison
Tim Keenan III

Bubble: Ty Hamilton, Bill Norton
Practice Squad Candidates: Jaxson Moi, Payton Zdroik

The edge group may determine whether this defense becomes merely good or truly elite. Garrett immediately becomes the focal point, but Byron Young may ultimately benefit more than anyone from Garrett’s arrival. Offensive lines can no longer devote overwhelming resources toward stopping Young when Garrett occupies the opposite side.

Second-year player, Josaiah Stewart appears positioned to secure a meaningful rotational role again this season. With Jared Verse no longer on the roster and Myles Garrett taking up major attention on the opposite side, Stewart is primed to see his snap counts skyrocket as a primary edge weapon in Year 2. Desjuan Johnson enters camp with a strong chance to remain part of the rotation. Tomon Fox and Keir Thomas II may be competing directly for one roster spot, while Wesley Bailey and Darryl Peterson III face longer odds.

Current EDGE projection:

Myles Garrett
Byron Young
Josaiah Stewart
Desjuan Johnson
Tomon Fox

Bubble: Keir Thomas II
Developmental: Wesley Bailey, Darryl Peterson III

Inside linebacker appears more settled than many realize. Nate Landman and Omar Speights project as the primary contributors. Grant Stuard’s value on special teams strengthens his roster position considerably.

Shaun Dolac, Elias Neal, and Nikhai Hill-Green will likely spend much of training camp battling for what could be one remaining spot.

Current linebacker projection:

Nate Landman
Omar Speights
Grant Stuard
Shaun Dolac

Bubble: Elias Neal, Nikhai Hill-Green

The secondary has undergone perhaps the most dramatic transformation of any position group on the roster. Trent McDuffie immediately gives the Rams a legitimate cornerstone cornerback. Jaylen Watson provides another capable starter. Emmanuel Forbes Jr. arrives as one of the more intriguing reclamation projects in football.

Quentin Lake continues to establish himself as one of the defense’s most versatile players. Cam Lampkin and Josh Wallace both have realistic opportunities to stick. Alex Johnson, Drey Norwood, Al’zillion Hamilton, and Nyzier Fourqurean will attempt to force their way into the discussion.

Current cornerback projection:

Trent McDuffie
Jaylen Watson
Emmanuel Forbes Jr.
Quentin Lake
Cam Lampkin
Josh Wallace

Bubble: Alex Johnson
Developmental: Drey Norwood, Al’zillion Hamilton, Nyzier Fourqurean

At safety, the Rams appear well positioned entering camp. Kam Curl remains one of the defense’s most dependable veterans. Kamren Kinchens continues developing into a major contributor. Jaylen McCollough appears likely to remain heavily involved.

The final roster battle may come down to Tanner Ingle, Nate Valcarcel, and Nick Andersen.

Current safety projection:

Kam Curl
Kamren Kinchens
Jaylen McCollough
Tanner Ingle

Bubble: Nate Valcarcel
Developmental: Nick Andersen

Special teams remain relatively straightforward. Ethan Evans continues handling punting duties while serving as holder and kickoff specialist. Harrison Mevis currently projects as the team’s kicker. Joe Cardona comes in this year to provide veteran stability at long snapper.

Current specialists:

P – Ethan Evans
K – Harrison Mevis
LS – Joe Cardona

Return Candidates:

Xavier Smith
Ronnie Rivers
Jordan Whittington
Kyren Williams

When the entire roster is viewed together, what stands out most is not how many questions remain but how few actually exist. It is like the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleading squad. For years, the Rams entered training camp searching for answers. They needed offensive line help. They needed defensive stars. They needed secondary upgrades. They needed foundational pieces.

This year feels different.

The roster appears much deeper than in previous modern years. The defense appears more explosive. The secondary appears stronger. The offense remains led by Stafford, Adams, and Nacua. Most of the uncertainty now centers around depth battles rather than major structural weaknesses.

That does not mean the roster is perfect. Young players still need to develop. Several position battles remain unresolved. Xavier Smith must never fumble the ball ever again. Difficult cuts will have to be made before the final 53-man roster is established.

Yet compared to previous years, the Rams enter training camp with remarkably few major concerns.

Which today and onward leading up to camp, brings everything back to Dotson.

Once that contract situation is resolved, the front office can effectively close the book on the offseason. From that point forward, the focus belongs entirely to football. Position battles will sort themselves out. Young players will emerge. Veterans will solidify their roles. The final roster will begin taking shape.

The other issue worth revisiting is whether Stefon Diggs would actually help this team. I continue to maintain that unless Diggs is clearly better than the players already competing for that roster spot, the Rams can let that conversation go and move forward with the group they currently have in place.

Ever since his legal situation was resolved, Rams legend Jim Everett has been publicly advocating on social media for Diggs to come to Los Angeles. Everett even posted a mock-up of Diggs in a Rams uniform with the caption, “Let’s Digg it. Who says no?” While portions of the media have embraced the idea, the Rams’ front office has yet to make an official move, particularly after dedicating the majority of its offseason resources to upgrading the secondary and acquiring Myles Garrett.

Perhaps the organization is simply waiting to see how training camp unfolds before making any additional decisions. He has to be much better than anyone besides our two starters or its not worth it. At the moment, the Washington Commanders appear to be the team most closely connected to Diggs. He has publicly stated that he would be “100 percent” open to playing for his hometown team in the Maryland area. As a lifelong Maryland Terrapin myself, I certainly understand the appeal of returning to that area but that is all the more reason for me to have him in Los Angeles. At the same time, the Kansas City Chiefs and Las Vegas Raiders continue to be mentioned frequently by league insiders as potential landing spots for a veteran receiver capable of stepping into a significant role and providing immediate production.

In reality, this may be the single biggest issue affecting the Rams’ depth chart heading into training camp, and it is something that must be addressed when evaluating the roster. While most discussions focus on battles for backup positions and developmental players fighting for roster spots, the largest question mark on the entire offense involves a projected starter.

The Rams have spent much of the offseason strengthening nearly every area of the roster. Yet as training camp approaches, one of the most important positions on the field remains surrounded by uncertainty. Until there is clarity regarding Jackson’s legal situation and any potential NFL discipline, left tackle may remain the single biggest unanswered question on the roster. Beyond that, the organization still needs to finalize a long-term deal with Kevin Dotson, which remains the most important piece of unfinished business before training camp opens.

The only real Elephant in the Room is of course the Puka Nacua situation that has largely been resolved over the past several weeks, and he is officially back on the field participating in team activities. Nacua has completed treatment, had the civil legal matter dismissed, and fully participated throughout the Rams’ offseason program.

Earlier this year, Nacua voluntarily entered a holistic rehabilitation and recovery facility in Malibu, California. According to his attorney, Levi McCathern, the decision was a proactive step designed to allow Nacua to focus on personal growth and address off-field issues before they became larger concerns. He successfully completed the program and returned to the team’s facility in mid-April, allowing him to participate in voluntary workouts, organized team activities, and the remainder of the spring program.

The legal matter that followed has also largely been resolved. Shortly after Nacua entered treatment, a civil lawsuit was filed alleging assault, battery, and negligence stemming from an incident that allegedly occurred on New Year’s Eve. However, in mid-April, a Los Angeles County judge dismissed the petition without prejudice. The plaintiff’s attorney publicly acknowledged that Nacua’s decision to enter treatment and address personal matters played a role in the decision not to continue pursuing the case.

When speaking to reporters during OTAs, Nacua did not discuss specific details surrounding the situation but described it as an important learning experience. He acknowledged that the events served as a wake-up call and emphasized the importance of making better decisions and maintaining greater awareness regarding how he conducts himself off the field.

From a football standpoint, Nacua enters the 2026 season healthy, available, and positioned to remain one of the most important players on the roster. However, the situation has had a noticeable impact on the business side of his career.

Following an All-Pro season in which he led the NFL with 129 receptions, Nacua appeared to be a prime candidate for a massive long-term contract extension that could have placed him among the highest-paid receivers in football. Instead, the Rams have chosen to take a more patient approach. Rather than rushing into a market-setting extension, the organization appears content to allow Nacua to play through the final year of his rookie contract while continuing to demonstrate stability both on and off the field.

For now, contract discussions appear to be on hold. When asked about the possibility of entering the season without a new deal, Nacua acknowledged the uncertainty but made it clear that he is allowing his representatives to handle the contractual side of things while he focuses on football. From the Rams’ perspective, there is little urgency. The organization already knows what Nacua can do on the field. The priority now is ensuring that the distractions of the offseason remain firmly in the past as he continues developing into one of the franchise’s cornerstone players.

The new major elephant in the room this offseason is the situation surrounding Alaric Jackson.

From a legal standpoint, Jackson avoided what could have been a far more serious outcome when the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office announced on June 18 that it would not pursue felony charges. The case originated from Jackson’s June 9 arrest following a domestic dispute involving his pregnant ex-girlfriend. However, while the felony portion of the case appears resolved, the matter is far from over. The Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office continues reviewing the investigation to determine whether misdemeanor charges will be filed, and Jackson still has a scheduled court appearance on June 30. In addition, a temporary restraining order unfortunately remains in place, which is not an encouraging sign for Jackson’s situation moving forward.

From a football perspective, the situation becomes even more complicated.

Even if Jackson ultimately avoids a criminal conviction, the NFL operates under its own Personal Conduct Policy, which functions independently of the legal system. The league has repeatedly demonstrated that discipline can occur regardless of the outcome of criminal proceedings. As a result, Jackson’s availability for the 2026 season remains very much in question.

What further complicates matters is Jackson’s prior history with the league. Because he previously served a suspension under the NFL’s Personal Conduct Policy, the possibility exists that the league could view him as a repeat offender when determining discipline. Ultimately, that decision will rest with Commissioner Roger Goodell and the league’s investigative process, neither of which appears close to reaching a conclusion.

For the Rams, this creates a significant roster-planning challenge. The organization cannot simply assume Jackson will be available when the regular season begins, particularly with the season opener in Australia approaching quickly. Until the legal review and NFL investigation are fully resolved, the front office must prepare for multiple scenarios.

As a result, any realistic training camp depth chart should probably treat the left tackle position differently than it appears on paper. While Jackson technically remains part of the roster, his status should be viewed as a wildcard until further notice. That reality elevates the importance of veterans such as David Quessenberry and younger players like A.J. Arcuri, both of whom could find themselves receiving significant first-team reps during the opening weeks of training camp.

The Rams have spent much of the offseason strengthening nearly every area of the roster. Yet as training camp approaches, one of the most important positions on the field remains surrounded by uncertainty. Until there is clarity regarding Jackson’s legal situation and any potential NFL discipline, left tackle may remain the single biggest unanswered question on the roster. Beyond that, the organization still needs to finalize a long-term deal with Kevin Dotson, which remains the most important piece of unfinished business before training camp opens.