from https://theramswire.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/rams/2025/07/10/rams-rb-kyren-williams-drops-in-nfls-top-100-player-list/84530349007/?taid=686fb4e5be02a300011f7a1e&utm_campaign=trueanthem&utm_medium=trueanthem&utm_source=twitter

Running back Kyren Williams is the first Los Angeles Rams player to crack NFL.com’s top-100 players list ahead of the 2025 season.

A year after he capitulated from outside the list to No. 77, Williams dropped to No. 85 in this year’s rankings despite putting together a better overall season. Williams finished the 2024 season with 1,299 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns.

People keep on doubting Williams, and he just keeps on chugging. Thought to be headed toward a possible committee role after Los Angeles spent a third-round pick on Blake Corum, Williams promptly logged 88 more carries than he did the season prior, accounting for 70.2% of the Rams’ rushing attempts. A hard-nosed runner who plays bigger than his size and possesses the shiftiness to leave defenders empty-handed, Williams is already “Old Reliable” for Sean McVay heading into Year 4.

Williams played 843 offensive snaps in 2024, the most by any running back in the NFL. Since 2023, Williams has played on more than 80% of offensive snaps in 20 games, five more than the next closest RB (Saquon Barkley, 15).

Top 20 NFL Running Backs: NFL Daily with Gregg Rosenthal

They do Wms at about 15:47 in.

While the #Rams are interested in keeping RB Kyren Williams around, the team is balking at giving him a top-of-market deal:https://t.co/3G5BdDs7h7

— Pro Football Rumors (@pfrumors) July 10, 2025

…

from link above

As Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic writes (subscription required), the Rams will not reset the market on a running back contract. Saquon Barkley, Christian McCaffrey and Derrick Henry are attached to deals averaging $15MM or more entering 2025. Reaching that price point should not be necessary to keep Williams in place beyond the coming season – something the 24-year-old anticipates – but a notable raise will nevertheless be in store.

Both sides have expressed optimism that an agreement will be reached at some point this offseason. McVay said in May that progress had been made since extension talks began, and Wyatt Miller of the team’s website notes Williams was a full participant during spring practices. That is an encouraging sign team and player will manage to avoid a 2026 free agent departure. It would come as little surprise if a deal were to be struck during or just before training camp, which begins later this month.

from PFF, 2025 fantasy football running back rankings: https://www.pff.com/news/fantasy-football-running-back-rankings-2025?utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=dhtwitter&utm_content=null

11. Kyren Williams, Los Angeles Rams

Williams was among the league leaders in carries each of the last two seasons, finishing with 19-20 carries per game that made him one of the most dependable fantasy running backs. His efficiency declined in 2024, producing 4.3 fewer fantasy points per game. Sean McVay has a unique history of sticking with a clear lead runner, regardless of who that lead runner is. That worked to William’s advantage last season because it meant Blake Corum barely played on offense. However, there is no guarantee Williams remains the starter for all of 2025, with both Corum and Jarquez Hunter waiting in the wings.

Davante + Stafford = Domination 🫣😮‍💨 pic.twitter.com/rh8L4j0I99

— RamsNation (@LARamsey46) July 9, 2025

from https://www.lafbnetwork.com/nfl/la-rams/la-rams-news/los-angeles-rams-kobie-turner-execs-poll/

Now entering his third season, [Kobie] Turner is no longer flying under the radar. He’s one of the NFL’s most disruptive interior defenders, and though he didn’t crack ESPN’s top 10 defensive tackles for 2025, he was one of just five players listed as honorable mentions in Jeremy Fowler’s executive poll.

“He has an ability to get off the ball and establish leverage,” one high-ranking NFC personnel executive told Fowler. “He has a natural feel to be in the right place at the right time and plays with urgency. He can also close the deal when there’s a chance for a TFL, pressure or sack.”

wv wrote:

Goff had 68 pass attempts? Man, i dont remember that one. WTF?

w
v

I don’t remember it either. Had to look it up.

September 29th, 2019. Tampa at Rams. Goff: 45 of 68 for 517, w/ 2 TDs, 3 INTs, 1 FL. The FL led to a TD. Rams had only 28 yds rushing on 11 carries.

from Rams pay the price for 13 penalties in 55-40 loss to Buccaneers: https://www.latimes.com/sports/rams/story/2019-09-29/rams-pay-the-price-for-13-penalties-in-55-40-loss-to-buccaneers

A slow-starting offense and suddenly porous defense were not the only problems for the Rams in their 55-40 loss to Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday at the Coliseum.

The Rams were penalized 13 times for 106 yards.

from Where has the Rams’ running game gone? Gurley has five carries, team finishes with 28 rushing yards and Goff throws the ball 68 times in 55-40 loss to Tampa Bay: https://www.dailynews.com/2019/09/29/alexander-where-has-the-rams-running-game-gone/

An almost invisible running game amassed 28 yards on 11 carries out of the Rams’ 81 offensive plays. Todd Gurley had 16 in five carries, 13 of those on one carry for one of his two touchdowns.

Goff, meanwhile, threw the ball 68 times, completed 45 for 517 yards and two touchdowns, but was hurried and pressured all day. He threw three interceptions, lost yet another fumble – returned for a score by former teammate Ndamukong Suh during the Rams’ last, desperate drive to tie the game – was sacked once and was hit nine times. Really, it seemed like a couple dozen.

That was a game where the 2019 failing OL was on display. They had Brian Allen at center, and Noteboom and Blythe at guard (against Suh).

from PFF, What went wrong for the Los Angeles Rams in 2019? https://www.pff.com/news/pro-rams-what-went-wrong-2019

It’s hard to talk about what is at the root of the Rams’ offensive struggles this season and not begin with the offensive line. That unit went from fifth in PFF pass-blocking grade in 2018 to 31st in 2019, ahead of only the makeshift group that protects Ryan Fitzpatrick in Miami.

Terron Armstead didn’t hold back 😳

"For Armstead to come out of that game and say, ‘I never want to play this kid [Jared Verse] again,’ is INSANE."@StevePalazzolo_ and @SamMonsonNFL react to Armstead's comments on Jared Verse 👇 pic.twitter.com/dPeojeivZP

— Check the Mic with Steve Palazzolo & Sam Monson (@CTM_Show) July 7, 2025

from https://www.profootballrumors.com/2025/07/the-nfls-longest-tenured-gms-3

Here is how long every GM has been in place across the NFL:

Jerry Jones (Dallas Cowboys): April 18, 1989[1]
Mike Brown (Cincinnati Bengals): August 5, 1991[2]
Mickey Loomis (New Orleans Saints): May 14, 2002
John Schneider (Seattle Seahawks): January 19, 2010; signed extension in 2021
Howie Roseman (Philadelphia Eagles): January 29, 2010[3]; signed extension in 2022
Les Snead (Los Angeles Rams): February 10, 2012; signed extension in 2022

OTA Observations: ILBs coach Greg Williams discusses performances during OTAs, impact of new faces, adapting to how teams attacked them last season

Wyatt Miller

https://www.therams.com/news/ota-observations-ilbs-coach-greg-williams-discusses-performances-during-otas-impact-of-new-faces-adapting-landman-paul-speights-reeder-dolac

WOODLAND HILLS, Calif. – Rams inside linebackers coach Greg Williams directs a position group with significant roster turnover and massive responsibilities in 2025.

The Rams lost their leading tackler from last season, inside linebacker Christian Rozeboom. In his wake, they brought in veterans and rookies to compete for snaps in a unit that is truly open for the taking.

During OTAs, Williams discussed some of his observations with theRams.com, including impressions of new faces like veteran Nate Landman and fifth-round pick Chris “Pooh” Paul Jr. as well as how he’s adapting to the way teams attacked the Rams’ inside linebackers last season.

Landman transitioning “seamlessly” into Rams’ defense

After playing under Raheem Morris in Atlanta last season, the predecessor and mentor of Rams defensive coordinator Chris Shula, Landman’s transition to L.A. has been smooth. Shula said they heard great things about him from Atlanta, and he showed valuable qualities already in OTAs.

“He’s come in and guys respect him just from where he’s been and what he’s done,” Williams told theRams.com. “He’s taken into our defense just seamlessly.”

He’s only been in the league three years, but Landman worked his way from undrafted free agent to reliable starter in just his second professional season. He’s been more than willing to share his knowledge with a group full of similarly under-looked players in Los Angeles. His success against the run will be a welcome addition to the Rams’ defense.

In 2023, Nate Landman played 16 games for Atlanta and had the 2nd-highest run stop percentage in the NFL among qualified linebackers.

He’s a very good run stopper who doesn’t miss many tackles. https://t.co/QjYNEx4Gwf pic.twitter.com/LR7asLVyhH
— Wyatt Miller (@wymill07) March 18, 2025

Williams said he’s helped younger players understand where their eyes should be throughout certain plays and what to expect based on their observations.

“‘Hey, if my guy does this, I’ll give you an in-call right away just because this is what I’m anticipating,'” Williams recalled Landman saying. “And it’s really good when it comes from the players because he gives them a view from behind the face mask.”

Paul’s aggressiveness impresses: “He’s a football guy”

When asked what Williams liked about Paul coming off a career year at Ole Miss, he answered swiftly: “Aggressiveness.”

Williams also said “he can tackle,” evidenced by a mere 4.5% missed tackle rate last season. He also tallied 54 total stops, ranking 13th among qualified FBS inside linebackers.

New Rams ILB Chris “Pooh” Paul Jr. was the most efficient tackler among drafted ILBs last season.

He had the best stop rate (a tackle constituting an unsuccessful play for the offense) and missed tackle rate among the 19 players drafted at his position. pic.twitter.com/QOcdpGlMpS
— Wyatt Miller (@wymill07) April 28, 2025

“I don’t even think we’ve seen the best of Pooh because we don’t have pads on,” Williams said.

Still, he’s seen enough from Paul’s mindset and physicality in a limited practice capacity to know that he has tons of potential. Roles are far from determined, but Williams would not bet against Paul forcing his way into opportunities as a rookie.

“That kid has been unbelievable as far as his preparation,” Williams said. “He’s a football guy. It is his number one priority. So, with that being said, I’m going with him because I think he’s going to will himself to be good.”

Last year’s faults shaping this year’s preparation

The Rams’ run defense had its ups and downs last year. However, their late-season triumphs against the run were largely overshadowed by Saquon Barkley’s 205-yard explosion in the team’s divisional round loss to Philadelphia.

Williams is using last year’s experiences as a blueprint for what the group needs to work on ahead of the 2025 campaign.

“It’s been just good knowing the defense and how people are going to attack us now,” Williams said. “… It gives me a better chance of going into individual (drills), putting them in situations and letting their eye progression know like, ‘Okay, these are the ways they’re going to try to attack you, and this is the way we need to respond.'”

Williams said they must keep better track of the ball carrier within the context of the defensive line. There are times to press the gap and times to stay home to play a gap-and-a-half – he understands those opportunities better now, and his players will too. He’s confident in that because the room is full of intelligent players who can take concepts learned in the classroom and apply them to the field quickly.

“Once we started understanding the line movements and how the line is playing, now it gives us more freedom to understand where the ball should go if our d-line is doing what they’re supposed to,” Williams said. “… It feels way more connected.”

Omar Speights is “the definition of preparation and professionalism”

Speights, a 2024 undrafted free agent signing out of LSU, burst onto the scene as a rookie after Troy Reeder went down in Week 6. He took the starting job and never looked back, starting 10 games and ranking fourth on the team in total tackles with 67.

Ahead of his sophomore season, Williams just wants Speights to continue his obsessive preparation to remain consistent all year long.

“Omar, continue to be Omar,” Williams said. “There’s a reason why he ended up playing and a reason why he had the success he did as a rookie because of the things that he did to prepare his body, things that he did to prepare from a game plan standpoint. So for him, I told him what I wanted out of him is to continue with the consistency.

“He is a dog. That dude, he’s the definition of preparation and professionalism. And as long as he continues to do that, he’s going to play in this league for a long time.”

Troy Reeder provides “a comfort level”

Reeder, who started the first six games of the season for L.A. before landing on injured reserve, was re-signed late in the free agency process. For Williams, the move provided some extra familiarity and veteran presence in a group full of young bucks.

“Troy was the ultimate professional last year, (he) was playing well before he got injured,” Williams said. “And then even the times when he didn’t come back, he was always present in all the meetings, he was present in all the game plans and understood.

“He was like another coach on the sideline, talking to guys and able to communicate. So having Troy in the room is actually a comfort level for me as well, just because I have another guy in the room that I have a lot of respect for and will talk to about a lot of different things.”

Shaun Dolac “could teach you the defense right now”

The Rams are no strangers to undrafted free agents forcing their way into snaps through grit and gumption. Dolac embodies those qualities, and the 2025 UDFA signing out of Buffalo has made a lasting impression during OTAs.

“Shaun could probably take you out here and teach you the defense right now,” Williams said. “He is a quick study, man, he really is. And that’s one thing you respect from him… I think from the way he plays the game above the neck and the way that he had tackled in college, (if) he does that, Shaun is going to be another guy that will be somebody to reckon with.”

Dolac led the FBS in total tackles last season with 168, averaging 12.9 per game. He fell in the draft due in large part to below-average measurements. The Rams have never valued those attributes as much as tangible skill sets, and Dolac was one of the most productive players at his position in college.

Most coaches say that every position holds open competitions during training camp, but this is a group where that truly applies.

This was the Jared Verse snap I was talking about during the podcast. You shouldn't be able to turn Mekhi Becton into a projectile. pic.twitter.com/Zyg6n4o16s

— Bill Barnwell (@billbarnwell) July 3, 2025

Zooey wrote:

He is probably the best #3 OT on the roster, and there was a need there. Most of us thought the Rams would be drafting that position. Humphries is probably better than “Fine” as a fill-in.

Humphries

1

from https://theramswire.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/rams/2025/06/13/rams-dj-humphries-facts-bio-info-stats/84183958007/

Humphries made his first and only Pro Bowl in 2021 but statistically, his best season was in 2020 when he allowed just three sacks in 695 pass-blocking snaps and earned a career-high 88.3 grade from PFF. He’s been fairly consistent throughout his time in the NFL, finishing all but one season with a grade of at least 64.5; the lone exception was in 2024 with the Chiefs when he played just 92 snaps.

2

from https://www.chiefs.com/news/five-things-to-know-about-new-chiefs-ot-d-j-humphries

Humphries was a Pro Bowler in 2021.

Offensive tackles – even the best ones – often don’t garner the recognition they deserve due to the nature of their position, but Humphries was recognized for his efforts with a Pro Bowl nod in 2021.

He started 16 games that season, yielding 42 pressures across 661 pass-blocking snaps, the 11th-fewest among tackles with 600+ pass-blocking snaps.

3

from the wiki

…

Born: December 28, 1993 (age 31)
Height: 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m)
Weight: 307 lb (139 kg)
Career information
College: Florida (2012–2014)
NFL draft: 2015: 1st round, 24th pick

…

On August 2, 2022, Humphries signed a three-year, $66.6 million contract extension with the Cardinals through the 2025 season.[19]

On November 26, 2022, Humphries was placed on injured reserve with a back injury.[20]

December 31st, 2023 Humphries tore his ACL in a victory over the Philadelphia Eagles. He would be placed on injured reserve later in the week. [21]

On March 13, 2024, Humphries was released by the Cardinals after nine seasons.[22]

Kansas City Chiefs

On November 25, 2024, Humphries signed with the Kansas City Chiefs.[23] During the regular season, he started at left tackle in Week 14 against the Los Angeles Chargers and in Week 18 versus the Denver Broncos and in the playoffs played special teams in the divisional round and the AFC Championship Game and was active but did not play in Super Bowl LIX.

Los Angeles Rams

On June 12, 2025, Humphries signed with the Los Angeles Rams, originally having a deal in April with the San Francisco 49ers but the deal fell through.[24]

4

from 2015 NFL Draft Scouting Report: D.J. Humphries — https://walterfootball.com/scoutingreport2015djhumphries.php

Strengths:

Extremely athletic
Fast for an offensive lineman
Quick feet
Ability to kick slide
Adjusts to the inside
Capable run-blocker
Functional strength
Gets movement in the ground game
Fires to the second level
Ability to stay on his feet
Good size, length
Ability to sustain blocks
Mobility for zone scheme
Strength for man scheme
Lots of upside

Weaknesses:

Durability issues
Consistently injured
Inconsistent play at times
Prone to leg, knee injuries
Hand placement
Not as experienced as typical prospects
Raw
Can he maintain weight?

Summary:

Last December, if you told a die-hard Gators fan that D.J. Humphries would be a first-round pick after his junior year, they would be surprised because Humphries only played up to that draft grade in small stretches. During his three years at Florida, typically he was dealing with some sort of injuries. Humphries came to Florida as one of the top recruits in the nation, but he never was a difference-maker for the Gators.

…

Humphries has the physical skill set to be a starting left tackle in the NFL, and some feel that his raw talent is such that he could be a franchise left tackle. Humphries is very quick and athletic to negate speed rushers around the edge. He can get depth to take away the corner and is quick to adjust to inside moves. Humphries attacks defenders and gets his hands on them quickly. His hand placement does need to improve, and his technique can be somewhat raw. He isn’t entering the NFL with a lot of experience or development.

While Humphries played a lot of his college career in the 280s and 290s, he has functional strength to move defenders in the ground game. Florida had success running behind Humphries in 2014, and he can move defensive ends out of their gap with the quickness to fire to the second level and hit blocks on linebackers. Humphries’ speed and athleticism would make him a great fit in a zone-blocking scheme.

…

Player Comparison: D’Brickashaw Ferguson. Humphries’ game is similar to Ferguson. Both are cat quick for left tackles with the athleticism to handle speed rushers. They aren’t overpowering in the ground game, but they have functional strength to get movement at the point of attack. If Humphries stays healthy, I think he could be a tackle similar to Ferguson in the NFL.

….=