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May 2, 2026 at 8:17 am #163806
znModeratorNate Atkins@NateAtkins_
Time for a fresh Rams depth chart after the draft.How five new rookies fit into the 53-ma roster projection — and what could come to answer remaining questions
Related tweet:
SleeperNFL@SleeperNFL
The Rams reportedly considered WR Makai Lemon and TE Kenyon Sadiq at No. 13, but found it “difficult to see either rookie providing an immediate impact” given their current depth.***
Rams post-NFL Draft roster analysis: How the rookies fill out the depth chart
Nate Atkins
The Los Angeles Rams didn’t take the approach to this year’s NFL Draft that many were expecting. After a narrow loss in the NFC Championship Game, a joyous return for an 18th NFL season for Matthew Stafford and an all-in push in free agency, they went to the draft to fill out their depth and plan for the future.
That started with the selection of Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson at No. 13 and continued with a class of just five players, the smallest general manager Les Snead has ever had. But that doesn’t mean they didn’t fill some important spots, as the Rams needed to add depth and lock in some cost-controlled deals while balancing re-signing a handful of key players entering contract years.
With offseason practices starting soon, this is a good time to take an updated look at the depth chart.
Quarterback
Starter: Matthew Stafford
Top backup: Ty Simpson
Depth: Stetson BennettSimpson was the Rams’ big splash in this draft, but he will arrive to a competition with Bennett to replace Jimmy Garoppolo as Stafford’s backup. The Rams were prepared to take Simpson even if Garoppolo returned, a team source told The Athletic, so this will be an opportunity to let him compete and earn something early; the starting role is blocked until Stafford retires. It doesn’t completely shut the door on a Garoppolo return, but that’s considered unlikely at this point.
The time on the bench could be beneficial to Simpson, who started just 15 games at Alabama. He stood out to the Rams, particularly in their secret pre-draft meetings, as someone as excited to learn as he is to play after becoming the rare college quarterback to sit before his chance to start one season at Alabama.
He’ll enter a lab of learning behind Stafford and from coach Sean McVay, offensive coordinator Nathan Scheelhaase, quarterbacks coach Dave Ragone and assistant head coach Kliff Kingsbury, a former NFL quarterback who helped develop Kyler Murray and Jayden Daniels as rookies. The giant question of when Simpson will see the field remains a mystery, but the Rams are confident that the longer he sits, the better he will be when that chance arrives.
Running back
Starter: Kyren Williams
Top backup: Blake Corum
Depth: Ronnie Rivers, Jarquez HunterThe Rams left their running back room untouched this offseason, and for good reason. Williams had 1,252 yards and 10 rushing touchdowns last season for his third straight 1,100-yard campaign. Corum added 746 yards and six scores in a breakout Year 2.
Expect this to be more of a 50-50 split this season, with Williams as a primary third-down back and between-the-tackles runner and Corum more of a change-of-pace option with explosive capabilities. Hunter will have to wait his turn again, but last year’s fourth-round pick could be valuable if either Williams or Corum has to miss time, which neither did last season.
Wide receiver
Starters: Puka Nacua, Davante Adams
Top backup: CJ Daniels
Depth: Konata Mumpfield, Jordan Whittington, Xavier SmithMany expected the Rams to prioritize wide receiver in the draft as they were lacking depth behind Nacua and Adams, each of whom missed three games last season. Instead, they waited until the sixth round to take Daniels out of Miami.
Daniels is a strong fit for a third receiver role after blocking in one of college football’s most physical offenses. Time will tell if he can be that injury replacement for a top option, as he caught just 50 passes for 557 yards and seven touchdowns in 13 games last season, though he did play six college seasons.
Mumpfield, Whittington and Smith will all compete with Daniels for the third spot and should have their moments to showcase different skill sets. If a reliable third option doesn’t emerge early in the season, this could be a spot the Rams trade for in October now that their 2027 draft picks are back open for business with Simpson filling the need for a future quarterback.
Daniels, whom the Rams selected in the sixth round, could find himself competing for the team’s No. 3 receiver role.
Tight end
Starter: Terrance Ferguson
Top backup: Colby Parkinson
Depth: Tyler Higbee, Davis Allen, Max KlareThe 13-personnel revolution is here to stay. Los Angeles rolled back a four-man tight end room that had every member score at least three times last season, and yet it still added another option in Klare in the second round out of Ohio State. That’s what happens when a team leads the league in two- and three-tight end sets and finishes No. 1 in scoring offense.
Klare has run-after-the-catch ability and could see some designs, but the hope is that this is a room Ferguson takes the lead in after redshirting much of last season. Klare is more of a future piece at a developmental position and could prove valuable in a year when Parkinson and Allen hit free agency and Higbee turns 34.
Offensive tackle
Starters: Alaric Jackson, Warren McClendon Jr.
Top backup: Keagan Trost
Depth: David QuessenberryEven with the retirement of Rob Havenstein, the Rams were able to return five starters on their offensive line. Trost arrives in the third round out of Missouri as a strong run blocker in wide-zone concepts who can bump out to either tackle spot if needed. The Rams also like Quessenberry’s experience at both tackle spots. This will be a big season for McClendon, who could build off last year’s breakout to earn a hefty payday in free agency.
Guard
Starters: Steve Avila, Kevin Dotson
Top backup: Justin Dedich
Depth: Keagan Trost, Beaux LimmerLos Angeles had a solid depth piece on the interior in Dedich, and will now add Trost to the mix. If Trost gets an opportunity to play, he could earn a chance to replace either Avila or Dotson if one leaves in free agency next year. The guards are the engines for this team in the run game, and they’re also critical to keeping the pocket secure for a 38-year-old quarterback in Stafford.
Center
Starter: Coleman Shelton
Top backup: Steve Avila
Depth: Dylan McMahonThe Rams liked their setup for center entering the draft, with Shelton running the show and Avila having the ability to bump inside if needed. The arrival of Trost makes that more of a possibility now, as he can fill in at left guard when necessary.
Interior defensive line
Starters: Poona Ford, Kobie Turner
Top backup: Braden Fiske
Depth: Tim Keenan III, Tyler Davis, Ty HamiltonThe Rams like the mix they have here of a run stopper in Ford and pass rushers in Turner and Fiske, who can also bump outside. Their run defense fell off too much last season when Ford had to leave the field, so now Keenan arrives at 6-foot-1, 327 pounds to help out. That depth could be important as Ford turns 31 in November and needs a reasonable snap count to remain fresh and handle all the double-teams that come his way.
Outside linebacker
Starters: Jared Verse, Byron Young
Top backup: Josaiah Stewart
Depth: Keir Thomas IIThe Rams chose not to take an edge rusher this year despite Turner, who plays some on the edge, and Young both entering contract years. That is, in part, due to the impressive play in a small sample last season by Stewart, a 2025 third-rounder. With Turner and Fiske able to play outside, the rotation should remain steady around Verse, who the Rams hope can take a surge from Pro Bowler to more of a closer for the defense in his third season.
Inside linebacker
Starters: Nate Landman, Omar Speights
Top backup: Grant Stuard
Depth: Shaun DolacThe Rams found a diamond in the rough last year in Landman, which worked out quickly enough to ink him to a three-year extension. That let them continue a trend of not valuing this spot in the draft. They did sign Stuard to round out the depth, though his biggest contributions should come on special teams. The same is true for Dolac, who is recovering from a PCL injury. Speights will start at the other linebacker spot in a more limited role with the high rate of dime personnel the Rams use, which should only increase with Trent McDuffie’s arrival in the secondary.
Cornerback
Starters: Trent McDuffie, Jaylen Watson
Top backup: Emmanuel Forbes Jr.
Depth: Josh WallaceLos Angeles made this position its sole focus in free agency, signing big deals for McDuffie and Watson, who will man the outside spots with physicality and championship pedigree. It moves Forbes into a third cornerback spot, where his athleticism and playmaking can still have a role but where he’ll be counted on less to hold up physically.
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McDuffie is a bit of a chess piece, as he’ll play primarily at outside cornerback but can slide inside to nickel, where he was a first-team All-Pro, to allow Quentin Lake to evolve his “star” role a little more. The Rams do have room for another cornerback to emerge if an undrafted free agent can rise to the occasion.Safety
Starters: Quentin Lake, Kam Curl, Kam Kinchens
Top backup: Jaylen McCollough
Depth: Tanner IngleThe return of Curl on a three-year deal and an extension for Lake keep the Rams’ safety room among the deepest and most versatile in the league. The hope is that with trustworthy outside cornerbacks, Lake and Curl will be able to move around more and see more pass attempts their way. Kinchens is a player the Rams are hoping can take a leap in his third season, and he should see a boost as the deep safety with McDuffie organizing a better plan on the perimeter.
Specialists
Starters: Harrison Mevis (kicker), Ethan Evans (punter), Joe Cardona (long snapper), Xavier Smith (punt returner), Jordan Whittington (kick returner)
For all the special teams woes this team faced last season, it wound up feeling pretty good entering the draft after the late-season emergence of Mevis and the signings of Cardona and Stuard, who is a core special-teamer, as well as new coaches in coordinator Bubba Ventrone and assistant Kyle Hoke. One area they did not address was punt returner, which helped cost them the NFC Championship Game. That’s a spot where the right undrafted free agent could come in and have a shot to make the roster.
May 2, 2026 at 1:58 pm #163812
InvaderRamModeratori’m wondering what kind of impact ferguson can have at tight end this year. probably the most athletic tight end the rams have had since i’ve been following them?
they have him as the te1. i don’t know. i haven’t seen anything that makes me think he’s leapfrogged parksinson, higbee, or allen. i’d live to see it though. he’s got length, size, speed, explosion. he could be bigger than any wr they could have added this year, but he did almost nothing last year. my confidence is low. i know higbee has said positive things about him this offseason so there’s that. but that’s it.
May 3, 2026 at 2:27 pm #163830znModeratorRams’ offense set up for immediate, future success
Vincent Bonsignore
As the Rams plotted their offseason game plan, they did so with just minimal offensive roster needs.
The focus was on building depth along the offensive line, adding a wide receiver and clarifying their long-term quarterback picture.
Along that offensive line, they re-signed reserve tackle David Quessenberry, who projects as their swing tackle, and added Keagen Trost of Missouri in the 2026 NFL Draft.
They also used the draft to add Miami wide receiver CJ Daniels in the sixth round. He will get a chance to win a job as the third wide receiver alongside Puka Nacua and Davante Adams.
Most importantly, they used the 13th pick to select Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson. Ideally, Matthew Stafford stays healthy and remains on board for the next two seasons, and Simpson doesn’t see the field until 2028.
In the interim, he solidifies the backup quarterback job, and long term, he is ready to take over when Stafford retires.
Here is a look at the Rams’ offensive depth chart post-free agency and the draft:
Quarterback
Starter: Matthew Stafford
Reserves: Ty Simpson, Stetson Bennett
The skinny: Stafford is coming off an MVP season and, thanks to the Rams’ training staff, is successfully managing his nagging back issues. The only real question now is how long he wants to keep playing.
The Rams alleviated some of that uncertainty by drafting Simpson, who they believe can be a quarterback they can win with down the line. Whether he serves as Stafford’s understudy for one year or two, they will pour development time into him in hopes of seamlessly handing him the reins when Stafford calls it a career.
Bottom line: Stafford is as good as it gets. As long as he stays healthy, the Rams are in great shape. But with veteran Jimmy Garoppolo still deciding his future, it will be interesting to see who steps up between Bennett and Simpson as the primary backup. And whether the Rams need to bring in a more established veteran to play that role.
Garoppolo provided a safety net on so many levels: not only holding down the fort as Stafford’s potential in-game replacement but also by supplying a high level of play in training camp and practice when Stafford took days or reps off. Not only to help prepare the offense but also the defense.
Running back
Starter: Kyren Williams
Reserves: Blake Corum, Ronnie Rivers, Jarquez Hunter, Jordan Waters
The skinny: The Rams finished in the top seven in rushing yards (2,152) and yards per carry (4.6) last year, a tribute not only to Williams, who had 1,252 yards, but also Corum, who added 746 yards. That is as powerful a one-two punch as there is in the NFL. And there is no reason to think there will be any falloff.
Bottom line: If Williams and Corum stay healthy, the Rams are in great shape at running back, with Hunter and Rivers providing depth and special teams ability.
Wide receiver
Starters: Puka Nacua, Davante Adams
Reserves: Jordan Whittington, Mario Williams, Tyler Scott, CJ Daniels, Brennan Presley, Konata Mumpfield, Xavier Smith, Tru Edwards
The skinny: Nacua is coming off a season in which he posted 1,715 yards on a league-leading 129 catches. But multiple off-field incidents resulted in him checking himself into rehab. He’s been a constant participant in the club’s offseason program, a hopeful sign that the off-field issues are behind him. If so, he’s a top-three wide receiver in the game and in line for a huge contract extension.
The Rams contemplated moving on from Adams, but the more they reviewed the tape, the more they realized he still has a lot to offer. They are determined to do a better job getting more than the 60 catches and 789 yards. Although they will gladly take the 14 touchdowns he scored last season.
There isn’t much track record behind Nacua and Adams, as Whittington and Smith combined for only 36 catches. Daniels, the rookie sixth-round pick from Miami, will get a chance to earn a role as the No. 3 receiver.
Bottom line: It feels light behind Nacua and Adams, although Smith, Whittington and Daniels will get a chance during OTAs to show they can be counted on. Still, it would not be surprising if the Rams brought in a veteran reinforcement at this position.
Tight end
Starters: Colby Parkinson, Tyler Higbee
Reserves: Terrance Ferguson, Davis Allen, Max Klare, Mark Redman, Rohan Jones, Dan Villari
The skinny: The Rams lined up with three tight ends — or 13 personnel — 30.5% of the time last year, by far the NFL’s highest rate. A personnel grouping born out of necessity to capitalize on short-yardage situations became a staple of their attack. And they are determined to tap into it just as much this year, with Parkinson, Ferguson and Higbee again serving as the primary trio.
The Rams added Klare in the second round of the draft, which raised some eyebrows given how stacked they are at tight end. But with Higbee and Parkinson playing on expiring contracts, it makes sense from a long-range perspective.
Bottom line: The Rams are more than equipped at tight end, with Allen and Klare on hand to provide solid depth.
Offensive line
Starters: LT Alaric Jackson, RT Warren McClendon Jr., RG Kevin Dotson, LG Steve Avila, C Coleman Shelton
Reserves: David Quessenberry, Keagen Trost, AJ Arcuri, Bryce Henderson, Justin Dedich, Wyatt Bowles, Dylan McMahon, Beaux Limmer, Austin Blaske, Chad Lindberg, Bryce Henderson
The skinny: Last year’s injury to veteran Rob Havenstein gave the Rams a long look at McClendon Jr. at right tackle, and he more than proved he was capable of providing sufficient play as a starter. With Havenstein now retired, McClendon Jr.’s 10 starts last year mean he takes over with ample experience.
That alleviates any learning curve he may have experienced and means the Rams essentially return their entire starting offensive line.
It gets dicey in a hurry moving forward, with only Jackson under contract after 2026 among the Rams’ starting five.
McClendon Jr., Avila, Dotson and Coleman are all candidates for contract extensions, but the Rams face some difficult salary cap decisions and likely can’t keep all four. They drafted Trost in the third round. His ability to play tackle or guard gives them some flexibility in how they allocate money along their offensive line after next season.
Bottom line: The Rams have plenty of time to sort out who stays and who goes after this season. As far as 2026 goes, they are good to go along the offensive line, especially if Trost is the real deal.
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May 4, 2026 at 11:06 am #163842znModeratorLos Angeles Rams
The Rams made it clear through their approach that they viewed their roster as Super Bowl-ready entering the draft. That’s reasonable after losing in the NFC Championship Game last season, and after addressing their top weakness with Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson at outside cornerback. But the approach also introduces some risk. The Rams have sky-high aspirations, and though the draft class didn’t add to that ceiling, it did raise the floor a tad. The moves for McDuffie and Watson should have them feeling like they’re firmly in the mix for the Super Bowl, so long as they can find some answers on special teams. — Nate Atkins
May 5, 2026 at 11:21 am #163855znModeratorTed Nguyen, from … 9 teams having best NFL offseasons: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7249575/2026/05/05/nfl-best-offseason-draft-free-agency-trade/
Me: his rankings are divided into 3 groups. First is Title Contenders, with Eagles 1, 9ers 2, Rams 3. Then Rebuilding Teams: (in order) Raiders, Browns, Saints. And Teams On the Brink: Dallas, Vikes, Giants
3. Los Angeles Rams
Biggest needs heading into offseason: CB, LB
Key Acquisitions: CB Trent McDuffie, CB Jaylen Watson, QB2 Ty Simpson
The Rams had one of the NFL’s best rosters and more than shored up their biggest weakness at corner, trading for Trent McDuffie from the Chiefs and signing Jaylen Watson. They’re solid across the board, except at linebacker, but they weren’t going to pick one at No. 13.
However, they could have used their first-round pick to add wide receiver depth. Davante Adams isn’t getting younger and missed time because of his hamstring last season. They could have drafted guard Olaivavega Ioane or defensive end Rueben Bain. They don’t necessarily need starters at those positions, but injuries happen.
You’ve heard enough about the Ty Simpson discussion, but hopefully, it’s a decision that won’t hurt their chances at a Super Bowl in the short term.
May 5, 2026 at 6:04 pm #163860
wvParticipantI am not happy with this –> CJ Daniels, Konata Mumpfield, Jordan Whittington, Xavier Smith.
Why cant i have Keenan Allen? Stephon Diggs? DeAndre Hopkins?
w
vMay 5, 2026 at 6:44 pm #163863znModeratorI am not happy with this –> CJ Daniels, Konata Mumpfield, Jordan Whittington, Xavier Smith.
Why cant i have Keenan Allen? Stephon Diggs? DeAndre Hopkins?
w
vI think you underestimate Daniels.
But we’ll see if time will tell on that.
May 7, 2026 at 12:50 am #163880znModeratorWhy cant i have Keenan Allen? Stephon Diggs? DeAndre Hopkins?
w
vThere’s still plenty of veteran WR help available for NFL teams. This is a deep group 😳👇 pic.twitter.com/T0LQ6cWv4r
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) May 6, 2026
May 8, 2026 at 1:52 pm #163902znModeratorfrom The Athletic, NFL projection model ranks all 32 rosters following 2026 draft: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7252937/2026/05/08/nfl-draft-2026-roster-rankings-projections/?source=targetedemail&source=athletic_targeted_email&campaign=17601715&userId=603890
1. Los Angeles Rams
Although I didn’t love their draft (and they couldn’t overtake the Seahawks last year), I think the Rams have the best roster in football. It starts with the quarterback, of course, and Matthew Stafford is still playing at an elite level despite nearing retirement. The Rams also have the NFL’s best receivers room, led by Puka Nacua, plus a top-five interior offensive line, defensive line and cornerbacks room.
That’s quality up and down the roster, both young players and veterans. There are some concerns at offensive tackle, but the rest of the roster is top-notch.
May 8, 2026 at 5:14 pm #163906wvParticipant“..The Rams also have the NFL’s best receivers room..”
I dunno. Maybe.
JSN / Cooper Kupp…
Pickens/CeeDee Lamb…
JaMarr Chase/ T.Higgins..
Jauan Jennings/ Justin Jefferson / Jordan Addison…
Jeudy/KC Concecion / Denzel Boston…One of the reasons i liked Lemon at pick 13 was the Davante situation. I am concerned he’s gonna be slow and old this year. It happens 🙂
w
vMay 8, 2026 at 8:26 pm #163915znModeratorfrom NFC West Report Card: Rams, 49ers Follow Seahawks’ Blueprint: https://www.si.com/nfl/nfc-west-report-card-rams-49ers-follow-seahawks-blueprint#inline-text-9
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Los Angeles Rams
Offseason grade: A-Key additions: TE Max Klare, CB Trent McDuffie, QB Ty Simpson, CB Jaylen Watson
Key subtractions: WR Tutu Atwell, CB Cobie Durant, QB Jimmy Garoppolo, OT Rob Havenstein, CB Roger McCreary, CB Ahkello Witherspoon
The splash moves that the Rams made in free agency were quickly forgotten after their shocking decision to use the No. 13 pick on Simpson. Maybe it was a reach to take the Alabama product that high, and quarterback certainly wasn’t a need with Matthew Stafford coming off an MVP season, but L.A. could afford to look to the future after addressing its biggest weakness with the additions of McDuffie and Watson.
Those two moves alone put the Rams in an ideal position to win the Super Bowl this season, and it wouldn’t be a stretch to say that coach Sean McVay has the best roster in football. But if injuries hit this team at the worst time, many will be pointing at the fact that GM Les Snead didn’t use his first-round pick on a player who could make an immediate impact and provide depth at a position. Still, it’s understandable as to why Snead got risky in the draft, especially because of how much better this defense could be with a cornerback as versatile as McDuffie, a potential chess piece for defensive coordinator Chris Shula.
It was also a gamble for the Rams to cough up a first-round pick to the Chiefs and immediately sign McDuffie to a market-setting, four-year, $124 million contract extension. If McDuffie delivers and the Rams make a run at the Super Bowl, the Simpson pick will likely be forgotten until it’s his time to take over for Stafford.
May 8, 2026 at 9:46 pm #163916
ZooeyModeratorI don’t know how the Rams survive without the help of Tutu Austin von Canidate.
May 8, 2026 at 10:11 pm #163917znModeratorI don’t know how the Rams survive without the help of Tutu Austin von Canidate.
Or Avery “Pharoah” Givens
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