3 Rams who may be forced to look over their shoulders after the 2026 NFL Draft

The Los Angeles Rams roster may be ready to go as is for the 2026 NFL season. But facing nearly two dozen expiring contracts at the end of the year will force the team to take a strategic perspective at some point in time. After all, this team stands to lose more than half of the offensive starters in less than 12 months.

That ups the ante in terms of the 2026 NFL Draft. General manager Les Snead no longer has the luxury of drafting intriguing rookies who might fill a future role. He has to have some degree of confidence that this rookie class will step up in 2027. But to accomplish that, he may have to revisit the 2025 rookie class.

Last year's draft class was all about creating sufficient depth to ensure the team could seamlessly handle in-season injuries. In some injuries, that was exactly what happened. With other injuries, the team's depth was not up to the task. And so, Snead has to assess whether bench players from 2025 offer the capacity to step up in 2026. Or perhaps it's time to recast the dice and take a chance on new faces.

Here are three second-year players who would be wise to look over their shoulders throughout the draft.

3 Rams forced to look over their shoulders after the 2026 NFL Draft

Running back Jarquez Hunter

Many fans were excited when the LA Rams selected Auburn's versatile running back Jarquez Hunter. Unfortunately, Hunter spent the entire season on the bench collecting dust and cobwebs. A rookie can only develop and grow when entrusted to perform. Hunter is already pot-bound.

If LA adds to the running back room, even after the draft, Hunter has to watch over his shoulder. He did not earn playing time a year ago. Now, he will be fighting for a roster spot.

Defensive tackle Ty Hamilton

Rookie defensive tackle Ty Hamilton played just 138 defensive snaps in 2026. The majority of those snaps were in a clean-up role. Hamilton was intended to be the padawan to nose tackle Poona Ford. Instead, he filled more of a cameo role. In a draft light on defensive tackle help, Snead could send a clear message if he selects a defensive tackle.

Hamilton did not show up much in 2025. If he is forced to compete for playing time with new contenders, he is at risk of losing a roster spot.

Tight end Terrance Ferguson

Despite all the glorious reports out of training camp, it wasn't rookie tight end Terrance Ferguson who stole the spotlight in 2025. That distinction fell to veteran tight end Colby Parkinson. I'm not declaring Ferguson a bust by any means. It's simply a fact that if general manager Les Snead selects Oregon's Kenyon Sadiq, Ohio State's Max Klare, or Stanford's Sam Roush, Ferguson will be in the fight of his life for playing time.

There is only one football, and a finite number of opportunities to mete out to players. Even All-Pro talent is worthless if it's stuck on the bench. That's the risk to these Rams players. If they miss out on a chance to step up in 2026 and are sent to the bench instead, they have limited utility for the team.

At some point, the coaching staff must choose to optimize the roster to best fit the needs of the team. Since their 2025 rookie seasons did not meet expectations, these Rams players may need to watch over their shoulders throughout the draft. That is especially true if the team adds competition to their respective positions.

As always, thanks for reading.

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