3 Rams poised for noteworthy leaps this season, for one reason or another

In 2025, the Los Angeles Rams came oh-so-close to defeating the Seattle Seahawks for a Super Bowl berth. That quirky loss in the NFC Championship Game forced them back to the drawing board.

With time running out for 38-year-old Mathew Stafford, general manager Les Snead found the same urgent pace he used in building his 2021 Super Bowl roster for Aron Donald.

Snead brought in multiple stars hoping their steady contributions would be the difference in realizing ultimate success this year. But it's not just the shiny new toys. The Rams are also factoring in significant production from younger players already on the roster.

Three come to mind for entirely different reasons. Whether it's less responsibility, simple improvement from last season, or newfound multi-tasking mastery, these Rams are in perfect position to up their contributions this season. Now, who are they?

1. Tight end Terrance Ferguson

As a rookie, Ferguson did not make nearly the hoped-for impact. But three of his 11 receptions last year were touchdowns. Better still, he averaged 21.0 yards per catch. If he can improve his dismal 44 percent catch rate, the offense is in business. And based on off-season reports, Ferguson is in for a dramatic leap forward.

The former Oregon Duck was projected to fill an almost Cooper Kupp-like role in the offense. He has a solid mastery of an extensive route-running tree and can block from the edge.

Ferguson was unable to practice with Stafford last summer due to the latter's back injury. They've worked out those bugs in 2026, which should result in Ferguson achieving a far greater role.

2. Safety Kam Kinchens

Entering his third season, the former Miami Hurricane has already recorded 141 tackles, six interceptions, and a pick-six. 2026 could be the best season of his career. While appearing in all 34 games since 2024, he has only started in 12. With teammate Quentin Lake nailing down the 'star' defensive back role, Kinchens should see more playing time this year.

But it's the evolution of the pass rush, with the introduction of Myles Garrett and the return of Donald, that should unleash Kinchens' true ball-hawking nature.

With the quarterback under constant pressure, Kinchens will be armed and ready to take advantage of any errant throw. And with Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson upping the coverage at cornerback, Kinchens will have plenty of opportunity to play the football.

3. Defensive lineman Kobie Turner

Turner deserves respect from any offensive coordinator, but it will be tough to account for him in the gameplan. Teams will naturally focus their protection on fending off edge rushers Garrett and Byron Young, as well as Donald.

Turner will be viewed as 'the other guy'. Advantage : The Conductor.

In three seasons, Turner has averaged eight sacks and 56 tackles, great production from an interior defender. Overlooking him in his contract year spells disaster for opposing offenses. Perhaps even more importantly, Turner is freed from the 'seasoned veteran' role he played a year ago, when he had more experience than anyone on the defensive front except nose tackle Poona Ford.

Now Garrett and Donald are here. Turner can spend less time supervising - conducting, as it were - and focus on his own role.

Turner is already incredibly productive. Sandwiched on a defensive front that boasts Garrett, Donald, and Young, he will be tough to double-team. With less attention, he will be impossible to block.

This season will not be solely about the new faces. Much of the heavy lifting will be done by younger players stepping up into larger roles.

As always, thanks for reading.

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