Breaking down Rams' first unofficial depth chart position by position

It's that time of the NFL year when teams release their first unofficial depth charts. For analysts, pundits, and fans alike, it's the first measuring stick to hold player performances up to initial expectations. But for the Los Angeles Rams coaching staff, the first depth-chart roster is simply a matter of checking the box.

An annual pattern of Rams roster battles is detectable. Veterans over rookies. Drafted rookies over undrafted. Undrafted rookies over late-addition free agents. All that to say that unofficial depth charts should be taken with a grain of salt.

What it does reveal is who Rams fans should expect to see in the preseason. Starters and key second-stringers will sit out, while any one who plays will likely have all three games to persuade coaches they belong on the team this season.

What else can we take away from this initial, "unofficial" accounting? Well, that requires closer inspection, position by position.

Examining the Los Angeles Rams' first unofficial depth chart

Quarterback:

First team: Matthew Stafford

Second team: Stetson Bennett

Third team: Tyler Simpson, Matt Caldwell

Nobody had a chance to unseat reigning MVP Matthew Stafford. And it's too early to drop Tyler Simpson in and expect him to run the offense. Stetson Bennett was always destined to be the default backup.

Simpson's biggest vulnerability is his inexperience, not just in the NFL but in college, too, where was a one-year starter. LA blew past those warning signs in the draft because the team has the time and the coaching staff to unlock Simpson's full potential. To do so, they will push Simpson well outside of his comfort zone this preseason.

That will ensure he gets the maximum benefit from his reps.

Running back:

First team: Kyren Williams

Second team: Blake Corum

Third team: Ronnie Rivers, Jarquez Hunter, Jordan Waters, Dean Connors

It's difficult to believe that second -year running back Jarquez Hunter has made no progress this offseason. And it's also very suspicious to see smallish running back Ronnie Rivers ahead of him on the depth chart. Perhaps it's a wake-up call for Hunter to rev up his motor.

Wide receiver:

First team: Puka Nacua, Davante Adams

Second team: Jordan Whittington, Konata Mumpfield

Third team: Xavier Smith, CJ Daniels, Tru Edwards, Tyler Scott, Brennan Pressley, Mario Williams

This is suspect. While LA shies away from giving rookie playmakers much of the spotlight in their first season, CJ Daniels was red hot throughout training camp. Fans have wondered all offseason who will earn the WR3 role. Don't count Daniels out just yet.

Tight end:

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

Second team: Max Klare, Mark Redman

Third team: Dan Villari, Rohan Jones

Well, this is the wildest depth-chart listing fans have ever seen. All four returning tight ends from 2025 are penciled in as co-starters in 2026. That's going to change, if only to make room for promising rookie Maz Klare.

The position may hold other surprises as well. Undrafted rookie Dan Villari has an intriguing background playing quarterback. If push comes to shove, that's a diabolically useful skill to have.

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, C Dylan McMahon, RG Beaux Limmer, RT Keagan Trost

Third team: LT AJ Arcuri, LG Bill Murray, C N/A, RG Wyatt Bowles | Austin Blaske, RT Blake Hance

While roster slots will fill up long before the list of worthy players is exhausted, don't look for the team to cut corners on offensive line depth. The backups listed above are all capable members of any 90-man offseason roster. Even Bowles, Murray, and Hance may be claimed off waivers if the Rams attempt to keep them on the practice squad.

This is a work in process. Preseason games will certainly help sort it all out.

Defensive line:

First team: Braden Fiske, Kobie Turner, Poona Ford

Second team: Tyler Davis, Larrell Murchison, Ty Hamilton

Third team: Jaxon Moi, Bill Norton, Payton Zdroik, Tim Keenan III

While the starters come as no surprise, the appearance of rookie nose tackle Tim Keenan at the bottom of the depth chart feels ... wrong. Big ole Bill Norton may get the edge from competing in Rams preseason a year ago, but Keenan was drafted specifically to be mentored by Poona Ford.

The depth here is much stronger than it may seem. Other teams will be licking their chops to claim players from LA's waiver wire.

Edge rusher:

First team: Myles Garrett, Byron Young

Second team: Josaiah Stewart, Desjuan Johnson

Third team: Keir Thomas, Tomon Fox, Wesley Bailey, Darryl Peterson III

No surprises here. Every NFL fan could have predicted the starters. And every Rams fan could have predicted the second string. But the preseason will have a significant impact on which edge rushers land on the practice squad and which are cut outright.

Linebacker:

First team: Nate Landman, Omar Speights

Second team: Shaun Dolac, Grant Stuard

Third team: Elias Neal, Nikhai Hill-Green, Daniel Rickert

No, for the first time in a very long time, fans do not have to sweat out the unexplainable appearance of former Rams linebacker Troy Reeder at the top of the depth chart. In fact, the depth chart feels much stronger than it has in years.

Don't be surprised if things change. Shaun Dolac could push hard to start.

Cornerback:

First team: Trent McDuffie, Jaylen Watson

Second team: Josh Wallace, Emmanuel Forbes Jr.

Third team: Cam Lampkin, Alex Johnson, Nyzier Fourqurean, Al'Zillian Hamilton, Zech McPhearson

Despite being one of the hottest defenders throughout training camp, Cam Lampkin appears on the bubble. Fans can anticipate that if he plays well against the Kansas City Chiefs, he will sit out the remaining two preseason games.

Lampkin could complicate roster decisions. The Rams want to stick with four cornerbacks, but Lampkin's performance could force them to keep him on the roster.

Safety:

First team: Kam Curl, Quentin Lake

Second team: Kam Kinchens, Jaylen McCollough

Third team: Tanner Ingle, Nate Valcarcel, Alex Cook, Nick Andersen

LA lists Quentin Lake as a starting safety. In reality, he lines up almost anywhere in the secondary. Similar to many position groups, this is one of the strongest safety depth charts the Rams have ever boasted under head coach Sean McVay.

If injuries do not deplete the position, it will be a strong group all season long.

Specialists:

Kicker: Harrison Mevis
Punter: Ethan Evans
Holder: Ethan Evans
Punt returner: Xavier Smith | Konata Mumpfield
Kick returner: Jordan Whittington | Ronnie Rivers
Long snapper: Joe Cardona

After a year of special-teams snafus, fans will keep a close eye on the unit throughout the preseason. The most notable change is veteran long snapper Joe Cardona, who brings a disciplined cadence of calling out blocks before hiking the ball.

Meanwhile, the starting return jobs may be dramatically up for grabs. Punt returner Xavier Smith may lose a roster spot if he fails to fend off Konata Mumpfield. That is also true of running back Ronnie Rivers, who could face being released if he fails to usurp Jordan Whittington as the team's kick returner.

This first depth chart may not tell the entire story of player competition. But its timing is perfect as we gear up to see the Horns take on the Kansas City Chiefs in the preseason opener.

As always, thanks for reading.

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