5 players Rams fans are begging for an encore from in Preseason Game 2

Los Angeles Rams fans know the score. The NFL is the epitome of competition, a stage that can see a stunning performance unfold, and yet not be moved to see that player again. Past rookies know this all too well. 2025 NFL rookies are learning this for the first time. Unlike college football, where a game-winning play can immortalize the player, the NFL bar is set a bit higher.

This is professional football. Playing a game for a career sets the bar at a higher level. To become a star in this league, it's simply not enough to make a tackle, pancake a defender, throw a game-winning touchdown, make a circus catch, or break a run for a huge gain. NFL fans have come to expect that each week.

Which is exactly why Rams fans are begging to see an encore performance from a quintet of players who showed up big in the first preseason game. After all, one data point does not make a trend. Was it great play, an overmatched opponent, or simply a good hair day that showcased the top performers? That is what fans want to know, and the only way to prove their true story in 2025 is to see more of the same in Game 2.

Rams players who need to showcase encore performances

(5) - IOL Willie Lampkin

Undrafted rookie interior offensive lineman Willie Lampkin certainly appeared to be a wrecking ball against Dallas Cowboys defenders. Social media was flooded with videos of him pancaking multiple defenders.. And that was very impressive indeed. But he appeared late in the game, which begs the question: Was he that good, or did he just luck into some very bad defenders?

Fans want to see more from him and of him, and that's something the team needs to make happen. Getting Lampkin into the game sooner instantly elevates his competition and allows him to put in a lot of work, similar to the workload Wyatt Bowles handled in Game 1. If he shows up just as well in Game 2, then he makes a strong case to be considered for a roster slot.

(4) - LB Shaun Dolac

Somehow, the front office managed to turn a weakness into a strength, and ILB Shaun Dolac is just one talented rookie who is making a strong push for a roster slot. Veteran NFL writer Marcus Mosher loves what he has seen from Dolac so far. It's a tough numbers game, but Dolac showed up well in his first preseason game. He's going to need more to have a chance of unseating Troy Reeder.

(3) - QB Stetson Bennett

Stetson Bennett is the backup quarterback that so many love to hate. Even after an impressive performance in Game 1, his critics still contend:

He's just a backup, nothing more
He can't play football against anyone better than third-stringers
He quit (that one's getting old)
He didn't throw for 300+ yards

While critics love to jump on the guy for any mistake he might make, there is a level of credibility that they seem to miss by refuting his solid performances as well. Yes, this was just one game, but he is running an offense comprised of many players who also will not make the team. And his ability to make depth players shine has established beachheads for multiple rookie receivers and tight ends for this team. But fans want to see more, so he will need to step up and deliver again.

(2) -WR/PR/KR Brennan Presley

The only thing that the team did not ask of versatile WR Brennan Presley was to kick off, pass, or punt the football. He was used on special teams, as a receiver, and as a runner. And it was a rather impressive performance for the undrafted rookie. By game's end, he put up a total of 68 yards from scrimmage in varying roles. Was that a one-time thing? Or does he have more where that came from? Fans are dying to find out.

(1) - RB Cody Schrader

Cody Schrader rushed once in 2024 for three yards. In preseason, he's rushed five times for 59 yards. Will the real Cody Schrader please stand up? It appeared that the team's running back depth chart was settled until Schrader lit up the offense with some surprisingly effective dashes to daylight.

In the aftermath, fans are left to wonder how the dust will settle. RB Blake Corum scored two TDs, but his running was not impressive. Rookie RB Jarquez Hunter impressed, but he averaged only 3.7 yards per carry. Schrader impressed.

Ultimately, Rams fans are starving for more football. These five players, having flashed huge upside already, seem to be among the most popular players for an encore. As always, thanks for reading.