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Rams’ razor-thin preseason race is about to spark serious roster drama

Be on the lookout for the Rams' next punt returner.
ByBret Stuter|
Los Angeles Rams - receiver Xavier Smith and Britain Covey
Los Angeles Rams - receiver Xavier Smith and Britain Covey | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

The Los Angeles Rams special teams may seem pretty meh in the eyes of fans who await the rookies to show up and steal the show in the first preseason game. But I cordially invite you to turn your attention to the white hot competition that's boiling between two formidable punt returners.

On one hand, there’s the addition of former Philadelphia Eagles free agent Britain Covey, a special teams ace brought in to help ST coordinator Chase Blackburn build a top-tier unit. Covey is 5-foot-8, 173 pounds, and runs the 40-yard dash in 4.43 seconds. His 29 punt returns for 417 yards in 2023 led the NFL, but as a wide receiver, he’s caught just 11 passes for 76 yards over two seasons.

On the other hand, the Rams bring back WR/PR Xavier Smith. Similar to Covey, Smith is 5-foot-9, 176 pounds, and runs the 40-yard dash in 4.48 seconds. He served as the Rams’ primary punt returner in 2024, handling 16 punts for 149 yards, and caught both of his targets for six yards.

The Rams have a full-blown special teams battle on their hands

Smith is competing on both offense and special teams for what could be the sixth and final wide receiver spot on the roster. Whoever wins that job will almost certainly take over the punt return role as well. So, where does he stand on the first unofficial depth chart?

  • Wide Receiver: Davante Adams | Jordan Whittington | Mario Williams | Tru Edwards
  • Wide Receiver: Tutu Atwell | Xavier Smith | Britain Covey | Brennan Pressley
  • Wide Receiver: Puka Nacua | Konata Mumpfield | Drake Stoops

What about punt return duties?

  • Punt Returner: Xavier Smith | Britain Covey | Drake Stoops (faces 2 game suspension)

As it now stands, Smith is clinging to a slight lead over Covey. But anything goes if either player has a solid performance on either offense or special teams. And if either player takes a punt return to the house, all bets are off.

Both are quite similar in physical traits. Smith has the advantage of familiarity with the team. Covey brings the advantage of a higher ceiling. Who will win the job(s)? Place your bets, loyal readers. The Rams first preseason game is just around the corner.

And as always, thanks for reading.

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