4 of the Rams most promising UDFAs are going to blow fans away in training camp

From the smallest drafted rookie class in franchise history, the Los Angeles Rams have a very difficult task ahead. Somehow, the front office and coaching staff must distill five drafted rookies into depth to manage the need for 23 player extensions at season's end. That is something that not even the wizardry of general manager Les Snead can manage.

Of course, there is plenty of football and roster moves ahead. At some point, the team must pare down the active roster to 53 players. After that, the team must add 16 players to its practice squad. That works out to 86 current players working down to 69 players.

While some players from their last year may be among the cap and roster slot casualties, the majority of partings will likely be last year's practice squad and this year's undrafted collegiate signings.

Still, making an NFL roster right now is a very significant step one. Now, it will be up to the rookies to persuade coaches and teammates that they deserve to remain an integral part of LA's plans. So the question now becomes, which rookie might shock fans and make the roster? Here are four rookies worth keeping on your radar.

4 of the Rams most promising UDFAs who could blow fans away

The LA Rams are not the type of team to give away roster slots or playing time to experiment. But this is a team that openly starts undrafted players. Left tackle Alaric Jackson and inside linebacker Nate Landman never heard their names called out during the NFL draft.

1. Houston running back Dean Connors

The LA Rams were probably not looking for a rookie running back, but the qualities of Houston running back Dean Connors were so promising that they could not resist adding him. He was projected as a draftable rookie on some boards, but no lower than a priority free agent.

A rugged running back who can run, catch, and block, Connors is a full-throttle guy who could impress coaches with his willingness to do anything to help the team. He runs the 40-yard dash in 4.45 seconds, which is not overly fast. But he is a never-say-die player who finds a way to get the job done. He has an uphill battle ahead, but that's just how he likes it.

2. Edge rusher Wesley Bailey

Beyond the trio of outside linebackers, Byron Young, Jared Verse, and Josaiah Stewart, the pass rush feels like open competition. The team is bringing back edge rusher Keir Thomas and DE/OLB Desjuan Johnson, but so far neither has claimed a fixed rotational role in this defense. And that is concerning.

Well, here comes rookie athletic freak Wesley Bailey to power up the depth chart. A four-year contributor at Rutgers, he played his fifth and final season with the Louisville Cardinals. At 6-foot-5 and 265 pounds, he is built to play with a hand in the dirt or in a two-point stance. But his raw athleticism ensures he is something special:

While a pass rusher, he can set the edge, stuff the run, collapse the pocket, and defend the pass. He is a defensive superhero who simply needs to perfect his techniques. He could evolve into something very special. All that is needed is patience, coaching, and opportunity.

3. Syracuse tight end Dan Villari

A former Michigan quarterback who cross-trained to tight end for Syracuse, Dan Villari has to be one of the most fascinating rookies from 2026. During his transition, he was a deft runner. But at 6-foot-4 and 243 pounds, he opens new chapters to an offense. After all, he can catch, pass, and run. And he cost nothing in terms of draft picks.

While he is a bit raw coming out of college, don't discount his upside. His resume of quarterbacking gives him great analysis instincts as to how to create the greatest separation and the biggest target for his quarterback. And his size creates mismatches all over the defense. If LA can unlock his potential, he will be indispensable.

4. Wake Forest safety Nick Andersen

The team broke with tradition by extending both safety Quentin Lake and Kam Curl. They are backed up by Kam Kinchens, Jaylen McCollough, Tanner Ingle, and Nate Valcarcel. Still, they found reason to sign Wake Forest safety Nick Andersen.

It could be the fact that he was a tackling machine, recording 228 tackles in his final two seasons. It could be his 6.5 tackles for a loss, 1.5 quarterback sacks, and 7 deflected passes in 2025. It could even be his ball- hawking skills that allowed him to pick off four passes in his first college season.

Whatever the reason, LA's secondary just got better. Andersen is a defensive back who fights on every play and gets stronger as the game wears on. He has strong pass coverage skills, making him a strong option for either straight safety or slot corner. His ability to remain close to his assignment even makes him a viable option in nickel and dime packages.

There may be plenty of football ahead, but keep these names on your radar. And as always, thanks for reading.

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