3 fearless Rams rookies are already forcing veterans toward the roster cliff

The Los Angeles Rams have plenty of tough decisions ahead, but perhaps the hardest comes when choosing between a veteran and a rookie at the same position, with room for only one on the roster. Not every case is like that, though; sometimes the choice is obvious. Statistically, the bias tends to favor the veteran.

But an occasional rookie does appear, whether by draft selection or after, whose upside is evident. Even without vast experience to draw upon, their raw energy, passion, and ferocity suggest a tremendous NFL career ahead.

We have one preseason game from which to base our perspectives, and the fact that they performed in it is the first indication their job is not done. But we know what we saw — a player, or in this case three players, who already understand their job on the Rams depth chart and are pushing veterans to the roster bubble in their place.

3 Rams rookies outplaying veteran counterparts

(3) - OL: Willie Lampkin over Dylan McMahon

This first case is a tough one because Dylan McMahon was signed from the Philadelphia Eagles' practice squad one year ago due to a shortage of healthy interior offensive linemen, and he simply played too well to be released once players recovered. And McMahon has the type of versatility to allow the Rams to move him from center in 2024 to right guard in 2025.

But Willie Lampkin played too well to be cut. He didn't just block; he demolished Dallas Cowboys defensive linemen, not stopping until they got the flapjack treatment. Once he laid one out on the ground, he sought others to give the same treatment. Not since has there been someone so attuned to the job of an offensive lineman, nor one who relishes the jab more.

(2) - ILB: Chris "Pooh" Paul Jr. over Elias Neal

This one is a bit more obvious. The team is carrying seven inside linebackers on the team today, and is unlikely to retain more than four on the 53-man roster. Elias Neal is ahead of Pooh Paul Jr. on the first unofficial depth chart. But that's not what the tape showed in the first preseason game.

Paul Jr. might be listed as a rookie. But on Saturday, he looked more like a seasoned vet. He hit hard, ranged from sideline to sideline, and managed the defense as though he were born into it. As much as there was a chance to see Neal play in 2024, the excitement is even greater to see the rookie take the field in 2025.

(3) - SAF: Nate Valcarcel over Derion Kendrick

Invariably, the front office seems to balk at extending talented safeties who understand the defensive schemes and perform well in them. Yet as these players finish out their four-year contracts, few, if any, are offered deals to remain. It’s almost as if the Rams believe safeties just grow on trees. But given their success at identifying rookies who come in and play hard, maybe they do.

The latest wunderkind is safety Nate Valcarcel, who may be facing an uphill battle to make the team, but he’s already going to war. Following in the footsteps of undrafted defensive back Jaylen McCollough from last season, Valcarcel is making tackles, showing off impressive range, sticking in pass coverage, and putting himself in the right place at the right time to make plays.

Though not in direct competition with CB Derion Kendrick, this is a team that has shown flexibility in interchanging safeties and cornerbacks in the past. To make room for Valcarcel, it's looking like Kendrick is the odd man out.

The Rams have too much talent to keep everyone. A few rookies have already erupted in the preseason, leaving fans wanting more. Are they one-hit wonders or showing the first signs of successful NFL careers? For now, sit back and enjoy the show. And as always, thanks for reading.

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