Breaking down the Rams' depth chart now that rosters have been filled

The Los Angeles Rams pared down to an initial 53-man roster. A day later, they fill out the practice squad. Simply tracking the comings and goings was enough for fans to handle in such a short period.

But now that the dust has settled, let's apply a bit of analysis to the past 48 hours.

While we can debate whether or not the team checked all the boxes this offseason, there is little doubt that general manager Les Snead completely fulfilled his role in restocking the roster. This group may be as impressive as any in Rams history. Now it's up to the coaching staff to optimize them.

The number of veteran leaders on the roster is truly impressive. Unlike in 2023 and 2024, the Rams have limited the roster spots available to rookies and young players. Opportunities for playing time have also declined sharply. With LA all-in on chasing another Super Bowl, tolerance for rookie learning curves has all but vanished.

Naturally, that approach has done much to shape the roster. Let's take a peek under the hood.

Examining the initial 2026 Los Angeles Rams depth chart

Quarterback

First team: Matthew Stafford

Second team: Stetson Bennett, Ty Simpson

Third team: Matt Caldwell (Injured reserve)

Perhaps the greatest transformation is the quarterback position. A group that appeared to be MVP Matthew Stafford and all others has emerged as four different but capable NFL quarterbacks. While all eyes remained riveted on rookie Ty Simpson, Bennett showcased almost Stafford-like off-platform and off-sequence throws.

Even Matt Caldwell exceeded expectations in a very limited preseason role.

Running back:

First team: Kyren Williams

Second team: Blake Corum, Ronnie Rivers

Practice squad: Dean Connors, Jordan Waters

LA tipped its hand early by sitting Williams, Corum, and Rivers throughout all preseason games. The team traded former fourth-rounder Jarquez Hunter to the Miami Dolphins. Meanwhile, both Waters and Connors returned to the practice squad.

Connors is particularly noteworthy, as he established strong chemistry with fellow rookie Ty Simpson.

Running backs were the backbone of the Rams' prolific 2025 offense and could be even stronger this year. Corum is worth watching, as he wowed everyone by returning to camp in the best shape of his career.

Wide receiver:

First team: Puka Nacua, Davante Adams

Second team: Jordan Whittington, Konata Mumpfield, Tutu Atwell

Third team: Xavier Smith, CJ Daniels

Practice squad: Brennan Presley, Alex Bachman

Head coach Sean McVay asserted that the Rams would keep seven receivers, and he followed through. Having seven receivers on the active roster left room for two on the practice squad. Presley has starred in the past two preseasons.

But LA needs someone to step up this season behind veterans Puka Nacua and Davante Adams. And as fun as it is to discuss Atwell's return, it's fair to remain skeptical.

Touchdown-juggernaut Davante Adams is the one to watch this season. After struggling to forge early chemistry with Stafford last season, he has been catching everything thrown his way this year. And he is uncoverable, making him very dangerous.

Tight end:

First team: Tyler Higbee, Colby Parkinson, Terrance Ferguson, Davis Allen

Second team: Max Klare

Practice squad: Dan Villari

The Rams traded practice-squad member Mark Redman to the Packers and are carrying five tight ends on the active roster. That is unprecedented. Waived along with Rohan Jones, only rookie QB/TE Dan Villari signed to the practice squad. This offense must deploy multiple tight ends in its 2026 playbook. Otherwise, this is a complete misuse of roster slots.

Ferguson is the one to watch this season. After struggling as a rookie, his route tree and role should expand rapidly this year.

Offensive line:

First team: LT Alaric Jackson, LG Steve Avila, C Coleman Shelton, RG Kevin Dotson, RT Warren McClendon

Second team: LT David Quessenberry, LG Justin Dedich (IR), C Dylan McMahon, RG Beaux Limmer, RT Keagen Trost (IR)

Third team: G Bill Murray, C N/A, G Austin Blaske (Practice squad), OT Blake Hance (PS)

Depth on the offensive line has been pointed out among NFL analysts and fans. Still, a strong preseason performance (no sacks allowed) is worth noting. Two linemen start the season on injured reserve: guard Justin Dedich and tackle Keagen Trost. Curiously, veteran Bill Murray made the initial roster despite signing in the middle of training camp.

Right tackle Warren McClendon is the one to watch this season. While he stepped up big-time in 2025, he has never faced a full 17-game season. And LA has not had great success in promoting backups to starting roles in the past.

Defensive line:

First team: Aaron Donald, Kobie Turner, Poona Ford

Second team: Braden Fiske,Tyler Davis, Ty Hamilton

Practice squad: Bill Norton, Larrell Murchison, Tim Keenan III

It's impossible not to love the Rams defensive front. Donald is only part of the story. He joins nose tackle Poona Ford and the versatile Turner. As a bonus, Fiske now spearheads a rotation that includes Davis and Hamilton. This is a blue-chip group.

A trio of tough cookies lands on the practice squad in Norton, Murchison, and Keenan.

All eyes will be trained on Donald, but keep Fiske on your radar. For the first time, he will occupy a bench role while also playing without long-time friend Jared Verse.

Edge rusher:

First team: Myles Garrett, Byron Young

Second team: Josaiah Stewart, Desjuan Johnson, Wesley Bailey

Practice squad: Darryl Peterson III

Another loaded position led by reigning DPOY Myles Garrett and the surging Byron Young. But Stewart, Johnson, and Bailey, an undrafted rookie, are all names to watch as they benefit from the 'Aaron Donald effect' in the pass rush.

And don't discount Peterson, who is ripped and ready for any opportunity.

Byron Young is the one to watch. Will he respond to Garrett's arrival by upping his game, or just fade into the background of supporting cast members in the Garrett and Donald show?

Linebacker:

First team: Nate Landman, Omar Speights

Second team: Shaun Dolac, Grant Stuard

Practice squad: Elias Neal

Speights fending off both Dolac and Stuard to keep his starting job is the tale of the tape here. But look for both second-teamers to star on special-teams coverage units. Even practice-squad resident Elias Neal is back.

Speights is the one to watch here. He must transition from mirroring Landman's style into becoming a complementary, coverage-centric linebacker.

Cornerback:

First team: Trent McDuffie, Jaylen Watson

Second team: Josh Wallace, Emmanuel Forbes Jr.

Practice squad: Cam Lampkin, Nyzier Fourqurean

The cornerback room has certainly changed in a year's time. The Rams snagged both McDuffie and Watson from the Kansas City Chiefs. Forbes is back in a rotational role, which will prevent him from being overexposed. Ex-practice squader Josh Wallace also lands a roster spot. Lampkin and Fourqurean provide quality depth on the practice squad.

A mild practice-squad surprise is the absence of Al'zillion Hamilton, who was waived but did not re-sign.

Watson is the one to watch here. He is the biggest, most physical corner on the roster. Can he hold up against some of the NFL's most dangerous receivers?

Safety:

First team: Kam Curl, Quentin Lake, Kam Kinchens

Second team:Jaylen McCollough

Practice squad: Tanner Ingle, Nick Andersen

Lake will play the "star" position, moving in and out of the slot and all around the field. Fans will see plenty of Curl and Kinchens in standard safety roles. McCollough, a former undrafted signing, retains his roster spot. And Ingle is joined by Andersen on the practice squad.

Keep an eye on Kinchens. This ball-hawker has picked off six passes over the past two seasons. With intense quarterback pressure up front from the pass rush and close coverage from an upgraded cornerback room, he'll be free to play the pass and create even more turnovers. If he plays his role well, Kinchens could emerge as one of the most dangerous safeties in the NFL.

Specialists:

Kicker: Harrison Mevis
Punter: Ethan Evans, Jack Bouwmeester (Practice squad - international player exemption)
Holder: Ethan Evans
Punt returner: Xavier Smith, Konata Mumpfield
Kick returner: Jordan Whittington, Ronnie Rivers
Long snapper: Joe Cardona

The Rams have handed long-snapping duties to veteran Joe Cardona, who should nip busted blocking assignments in the bud. Despite the wholesale improvements required from special teams in 2026, few major changes have occurred.

Punter Ethan Evans is the one to watch this year. He is in the last year of his rookie contract, and his booming punts that wow the crowd can be followed by a 20-yard shank. Even when he gets all of the football, his line drives can prevent coverage units from making plays.

There you have it: the initial 53-man roster, practice squad, injured reserve, and depth chart. Of course, many changes will occur during the season, so stay tuned for further developments.

As always, thanks for reading.

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