Big years for LA’s receivers, excellent RB depth and more
After nearly two weeks of practice at Loyola Marymount, the Los Angeles Rams are already done with training camp for 2025. They held their 10th and final practice on Sunday and after going through a jog-through on Monday, they’ll look toward this weekend’s first preseason game against the Dallas Cowboys.
Training camp flew by in the blink of an eye but there was plenty to take away from the last two weeks at LMU. Sean McVay was pleased with the work the Rams got in on both sides of the ball, though he still sees room for growth before Week 1. And while we wait for Stafford’s long-awaited return to practice, Jimmy Garoppolo and Stetson Bennett took advantage of their opportunities under center.
Here are the nine biggest takeaways from training camp.
Puka Nacua and Davante Adams are both in for big years
The Rams have two legitimate No. 1 wide receivers in Nacua and Adams, which should have Matthew Stafford smiling from ear to ear. No matter which receiver he looks at this season, one of them is bound to get open and make a play.
Both players have shined in camp, consistently making plays for quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo. Nacua has made circus catches and dominated the middle of the field, while Adams has received nothing but high praise from everyone on the team.
If both players don’t finish with at least 1,000 yards receiving this season, it would be a major surprise.
No return in sight for Matthew Stafford
Stafford was supposed to return after missing the first four days of practice, but that wasn’t the case. Instead, Sean McVay pushed back his timeline, calling the quarterback “week-to-week” with back soreness. It’s far from ideal to miss your most important player for all of training camp, but that’s the reality the Rams faced.
He didn’t take a single snap at Loyola Marymount and there’s no telling when he’ll be back on the field. The key date is Sept. 7, because that’s when the season begins, but no team wants its quarterback going into Week 1 with no live reps in camp, joint practices or the preseason.
Hopefully that’s not the case with Stafford but Aug. 13 when the Rams practice against the Chargers is a key date.
Running back depth is as good as it’s ever been
The Rams have had talent at running back throughout McVay’s tenure, but it’s hard to say they’ve ever had this kind of depth. Kyren Williams is a workhorse as the RB1, with Blake Corum and Jarquez Hunter each looking like RB2 types.
Corum has impressed in camp with his speed and agility, and Hunter’s power has been on display in practice; he’s also known for his breakaway speed. The Rams can use all three backs to keep defenses on their toes, while simultaneously keeping all three backs fresh for the long haul.
The Rams should be able to create far more big plays from the run game this season.
Questions remain at left tackle
Alaric Jackson has participated in team drills, but only in jog-through settings. D.J. Humphries has helped fill in at left tackle, as have both David Quessenberry and Warren McClendon Jr.
There’s no real clarity on which player would take the place of Jackson if he’s out to start the season due to blood clots. McVay has praised all three and it’s going to be tough to cut any of them, especially with Humphries’ $2.34 million fully guaranteed.
As the season approaches, we should have a better idea of Jackson’s status. For now, it’s looking like an uncertain spot on the depth chart.
Rookie class off to good start
The Rams had a smaller draft class this year, selecting only six players. With the exception of Pooh Paul Jr., who was injured at the start of camp, the Rams’ rookies have stood out in practice.
Terrance Ferguson earned positive remarks from his coaches (and Jared Verse) before getting hurt, Hunter has consistently flashed in practice, Josaiah Stewart is getting first-team reps and Ty Hamilton continues to get better, McVay says.
Konata Mumpfield really shined in camp with his route running and ability to get open regularly, which is a good way to get on the field early as a receiver.
Secondary has talent to be better than expected
The Rams have a quality top three at cornerback with Darious Williams, Cobie Durant and Ahkello Witherspoon. Emmanuel Forbes Jr. was getting first-team reps before tweaking his hamstring, too. Quentin Lake has had a couple of interceptions in practice as he builds off a breakout year in 2024.
At safety, Kamren Curl remains a steady leader on the back end, though he’s dealing with an injury of his own. Kamren Kinchens is a ball hawk at safety and Jaylen McCollough can play deep or in the box as a dime backer.
The depth in the secondary is a strength, as is the overall talent of this group. It’s just a matter of whether everyone can stay healthy.
Defensive front is perhaps the team’s biggest strength
As good as the defensive line was last season, it might be even better in 2025. And that includes the group of edge rushers.
Kobie Turner, Braden Fiske and Poona Ford make up a stout defensive line that can stop the run and generate a lot of pressure on the quarterback. Ford has been a major bright spot in his first camp with the Rams, catching the eye of McVay, Turner and Lake.
Tyler Davis is going to contribute this season, too, McVay says, and Hamilton is a promising rookie.
Then at edge rusher, the Rams have the tandem of Jared Verse and Byron Young, who have stood out to McVay in camp.
“I certainly notice Kobie Turner, even though he hasn’t been out here the last couple days. He and Jared Verse have been stable guys. Braden Fiske, you’ve seen Poona Ford, Byron Young. I’ve really felt our front make their presence felt,” McVay said Sunday.
Even at inside linebacker the Rams have a promising duo with Omar Speights and Nate Landman, the latter of whom has grabbed hold of the green dot and a leadership role on defense.
Top four tight ends could all contribute in 2025
Tyler Higbee remains the starter and Ferguson gets a lot of attention as the promising young rookie, but Davis Allen has flashed in practice and Colby Parkinson isn’t going quietly, either.
If the Rams do want to be a more physical, diverse offense in 2025, using all four tight ends is a real possibility. Higbee is Mr. Reliable, Ferguson can split out as a receiver in the slot, Allen is a big target and Parkinson can do a little bit of everything.
Look for all four players to make the team and contribute throughout the year.
Stetson Bennett will be hard to cut
Bennett is playing with more confidence and enjoyment, which McVay says is great to see. It’s led to some better play from the third-year quarterback after he looked overmatched last preseason when he was throwing interceptions left and right.
Now with Stafford hurt, it might be tough to cut Bennett. He’s someone who could get claimed by a quarterback-needy team, making it more difficult to sneak him onto the practice squad.
It’s possible the Rams still view him as a QB2 in the future, potentially in 2026 if Garoppolo doesn’t return. He’s probably worth keeping around for another year if he plays well in the preseason.
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