4 Rams players show up among NFL preseason leaders you never saw coming

The Los Angeles Rams secured their second preseason victory thanks to a gutsy effort from every player who stepped onto the field. Sure, some will argue that preseason doesn’t matter, and maybe they’re right. But this wasn’t just a football game — it was David (the Rams) versus Goliath (the Los Angeles Chargers).

The Chargers made it clear going in that their starters would get work, and they followed through. The Rams, on the other hand, stuck with their plan to roll out backups and roster hopefuls. Even so, the Horns' junior varsity defense held the Chargers’ starters to just a field goal, and the offense marched down the field for a touchdown. From there, it was clear this wasn’t going to be a group just mailing it in. It was shaping up to be the granddaddy of all preseason games.

When the final whistle blew, Stetson Bennett had pulled off his third fourth-quarter comeback in four preseason contests, delivering a game-winning touchdown pass as time expired. The scoreboard read Chargers 22, Rams 23, leaving SoFi Stadium and the internet in disbelief. The Chargers entered 2-0, starting their top units, with a defense that had allowed just 20 points over two games. But never rule out these Rams. And as the stats rolled in afterward, it became clear many of the heroes from this thriller had elevated themselves into the ranks of NFL preseason leaders.

4 Rams join NFL preseason leaders after 2 preseason games

P Ethan Evans - Gross punting average

Ethan Evans has punted five times this preseason and is averaging 63.4 yards per punt. That’s an enormous accomplishment, as he’s nearly seven yards ahead of the next closest punter, Kansas City’s Matt Araiza. But not everything is perfect. Thanks to poor punt coverage, Evans’ net average sits at just 38.0 yards per punt, ranking him among the worst in the NFL.

RB Cody Schrader - All-purpose yards/Yards from scrimmage/Rushing yards

Had anyone said that RB Cody Schrader would be among the league leaders in rushing yards, yards from scrimmage, and all-purpose yards after just two preseason games, it would’ve sounded laughable. Yet here we are—and his surprisingly effective performance has likely secured him a spot on the roster.

He’s rushed for 107 yards, caught three passes for 33 yards, totaled 140 yards from scrimmage, added 95 kick return yards, and racked up 235 all-purpose yards in just two games. That puts him among the NFL leaders in all three categories.

WR Brennan Presley - Yards from scrimmage/Receiving yards

Undrafted rookie wide receiver Brennan Presley may not make the Rams’ final roster, but he’s shown more than enough to land somewhere in 2025. Through two preseason games, he’s hauled in eight passes for 113 yards, four first downs, and a touchdown. That’s impressive production, especially considering the team has spread 44 receptions across 12 different players.

Presley even tops quarterback Stetson Bennett’s usual go-to target, Xavier Smith, who sits at 104 receiving yards. Will it be enough to keep him in L.A.? Maybe not—but he’s clearly put himself on the league’s radar.

OLB Brennan Jackson - Quarterback sacks

After the first preseason game, second-year edge rusher Brennan Jackson looked like a likely roster casualty. But a breakout showing against the Chargers changed that narrative. Jackson racked up 2.0 sacks against a strong offensive line, reminding everyone of the physical, explosive pass rusher he can be. It was the kind of performance that makes you take notice, and hopefully a sign of more to come.

Honorable mention - K Joshua Karty - Kicking accuracy

While second-year kicker Joshua Karty isn’t among the league leaders in field goals, he’s done everything asked of him so far. He’s a perfect 2-for-2 on field goals and 6-for-6 on extra points, totaling 12 points. In preseason, the Rams’ offense often opts to go for it in the red zone rather than take the near-automatic three points, limiting Karty’s chances. Still, he’s converted every opportunity given to him, earning an honorable mention.

Honorable mention - QB Stetson Bennett - Passing yards/TDs

It shouldn’t surprise anyone that Stetson Bennett leads the NFL preseason in passing yards and touchdowns after two games in 2025. He was among the league’s passing leaders in 2024 as well. This time, though, he’s flipped the script — five touchdowns to just two interceptions, instead of two touchdowns and five picks. And across the past two preseasons, he’s delivered a game-winning touchdown with time running out three different times.

The depth and quality of talent on the Rams roster continues to shine, backing up what’s been said all along. Unlike some teams, the Rams only use the preseason to evaluate players who aren’t starters or primary backups. Even so, their depth players have proven to be among the NFL’s top preseason performers.

It’s going to be a long season, but this roster is loaded with talent. If the coaching staff can find a way to keep their top performers available, whether on the active roster or the practice squad, this team has a real chance to go places. As always, thanks for reading.