What to look for at the onset of LA Rams training camp

III: Getting younger players up to speed

Whether it’s the defensive secondary, offensive line, or anywhere in between, the LA Rams will most certainly need younger players to step up this year. This is a team that invests heavily in the top-tier NFL talent and then leverages that investment into the most talented players by engaging elite veterans in the process of coaching up and mentoring younger players.

That may appear to be wishful thinking to casual NFL analysts, but to those who have remained with their pulse on how the LA Rams have operated these past five years, the roster is literally a perfect storm of redshirted rookies and subtle second-year players who are all positioned for more significant roles this year.

While some may not achieve that goal, there are so many players vying for playing time that the team will have a noteworthy number of players whose time has come. The LA Rams do such an incredible job of coaching up younger players, as much out of necessity as good practice. As long as the team is willing to be the NFL incubator for the NFL Free Agency market, the team will continue to emphasize player development.

One example is how the LA Rams will likely be looking very closely at how rookie offensive lineman Logan Bruss works out as a starting right guard this season. Another player is how defensive back Robert Rochell has a legitimate shot at winning the starting outside cornerback position outright in training camp this year. The Rams will have opportunities at running backs, tight ends, wide receivers, defensive line, linebackers, and the secondary for young players to earn significant minutes in the rotation, and perhaps lock down a significant role.