Here are 3 Rams rookies from 2024 who need larger roles in 2025

I don't think that anyone will disagree that the LA Rams offense was a pale shade of itself throughout 2024. Whether the source of the trouble was a rash of incessant injuries, miscommunication due to a lack of continuity, or simply poor planning for the players who suited up, the Rams offense was unable to score points at a rate that most fans are accustomed to. And without points piling up on the scoreboard, the team had to rely upon a young defense and special teams to win games.

Thankfully, they were up to the challenge. The Rams finished 2024 with a record of 10-7 and were able to compete in the NFL Playoffs for their second consecutive season. But a loss to the Philadelphia Eagies in the Divisional Round of the 2025 NFL Playoffs placed the tem on the outside looking in. A matter of inches, or rather two yards, stopped the Rams from a final touchdown drive that would have won the game.

Now, the entire football organization is focused upon building a team that can move those chains, win that game, and continue its pursuit of another Lombardi Trophy.

But there are some huge challenges to finding that path. Namely, is it a matter of demotion or trading away players who underperformed? Or is it a matter of finding new blood via the NFL Free Agency marker, extending current players, or drafting talented rookies? Finally, what of the players who had cameo roles in 2024 who should be viewed as key contributors in 2025?

There are many such young hopefuls on this team. But for now, let's focus on three such rookies who have the makings of significant contributions in 2025 should the opportunity arise. they are:

(3) - OT K.T. Leveston

Kansas State offensive tackle K.T. Leveston is often and easily forgotten. Standing 6-foot-4 and tipping the scales at 336 pounds, Leveston is a big burly offensive tackle who was projected to come off the board far sooner than late in Round 7 of the 2024 NFL Draft. But the Rams were delighted to select him with their 10th and final pick.

Leveston arrived with high marks in both run and pass blocking as a physical snarling type of blocker who loves to initiate contact, handle his business throught twists and stunts, and seek additional defenders to engage as the offensive play develops. The consensus of draft profiles cited high upside, but a raw rookie who needs coaching to refine his techniques.

Unfortunately, two things occurred to prevent Leveston from getting playing time in 2024. The first event was an ankle injury that placed him on IR. Normally, that would be another day at the office. But with limited moves from IR to the active roster, and a tsunami of injuries to veteran players as soon as the season arrived, Leveston never returned to the active roster all season long:

Even that would not pose a problem for a veteran. But much like QB Stetson Bennett in 2023, Leveston had no access to the team all season. He did have a full training camp, and he clearly understands where and how he needs to focus to make himself more competitive in 2024.

He won't be handed playing time. Even with the projected loss of OT Joe Noteboom, and the expired contract of starting left tackle Alaric Jackson, the team has both OT Warren McClendon Jr. and AJ Arcuri returning with aspirations of securing significant playing time.

NFL Draft analysts projected Leveston to move inside, but in light of the team's current roster status, I expect the team will keep Leveston at his natural position: Left offensive tackle. Much like Alaric Jackson signing with the Rams after the 2021 NFL Draft, Leveston is much better and NFL-ready than you may guess from his late selection. Is he worthy of an NFL starting role? That remains to be seen.

But keep him on your radar.