4 forgotten-about Rams who could step up into huge roles in 2026

Even as fans of the Los Angeles Rams afford warm welcomes to the newest member of the team, many depth players from 2025 could leverage their new season into larger roles. No, this is not some golden plan that needs players to step up. General manager Les Snead has done an admirable job of filling vacancies.

But he also mastered the art of filling depth for future roles.

The 2025 NFL draft was a glaring example of that. The team, bursting with starters, aimed at rookies with lofty potential who could contribute last season, but whose true value was developing into NFL starters for 2026 and beyond. Unfortunately, they were not exactly known for hitting the floor running. And in the NFL, out of sight means out of mind.

Now those rookies return as season veterans. Is it unreasonably optimistic to expect more from them? No. In fact, that was the plan all along. And much of their learning and development throughout 2025 should deliver potent players in 2026. Who fits that description? Here are four players whose upside in 2026 will eclipse their 2025 performance.

4 forgotten-about Rams who could step up into huge roles in 2026

4. Running back Jarquez Hunter

For a running back who was touted as explosive between the tackles and as a perimeter runner, Jarquez Hunter was invisible last season. He played 22 special team snaps, never stepping foot onto the field with the offense. He did showcase all that he was advertised to be in the 2025 preseason.

Look for Hunter to have a larger, but still minor, role this season. He could find success on special teams. But he is fighting to be relevant, and that could be a strong motivator.

3. Defensive tackle Ty Hamilton

Defensive lineman Ty Hamilton is a versatile defender who was projected to be Poona Ford's padawan. But after a rookie season of 138 defensive snaps, 11 tackles, and just one quarterback hit, early optimism was quickly squelched. Well, get ready for Round 2, a season in which everything will slow down for Hamilton.

While he needed a longer on-ramp to get comfortable in LA's defense, everything from this point forward is repetition. And Hamilton will be ready. He not only has Poona Ford to learn from, but he must live up to playing in the shadow of former defensive legend Aaron Donald.

It all clicks into place in 2025.

2. Tight end Terrance Ferguson

After plenty of positive press out of training camp, tight end Terrance Ferguson was a mixed bag last season. Yes, he caught 11 of 25 passes for 231 yards and three touchdowns. But a 44 percent catch rate was rather pedestrian. While he only started three games, he saw action on nearly 40 percent of the offensive snaps.

Ferguson should step up in 2026 for multiple reasons. While the position remains bursting with talent, the return of Tyler Higbee on a modest contract solidifies Ferguson's anticipated promotion to the second tight end to take the football field. And like others on this list, he's going to be returning to repetition, and a chance to make significant improvements.

He learned LA's offense in 2025. He will master it in 2026. He will be worth targeting for your fantasy football team.

1. Linebacker Shaun Dolac

Undrafted Buffalo linebacker Shaun Dolac saw action for only 42 snaps, but he leveraged his penache for special teams to rack up 25 tackles. And he never missed a tackle. He would have been a larger factor in 2025, but he was injured as the season ended. That injury benched him for postseason competition.

He is back and healthy for 2026, and could leverage his outstanding special teams coverage into a starting role this season. He has the mindset of a predator, and that shows up anytime he steps onto the football field.

He didn't get enough work to earn a starting role in 2025. That may not hold in 2026. And fans will love the results.

As always, thanks for reading.