Naming 6 winners and 2 losers as dust settles from Rams training camp

The Los Angeles Rams have closed down their 2026 training camp. Next up? A trio of preseason games, interwoven with some joint scrimmages, and the painful but necessary roster moves to trim the team down within a 53-man limit.

So how did it go? Training camp highlights tend to focus on positive plays and developments. Sometimes one brilliant play can overshadow other solid performances. Hindsight can smooth out the highs and lows of day-to-day competition.

Ultimately, the winners and losers of training camp can be aptly categorized as players who:

* Did not meet expectations (losers)
* Did meet expectations
* Exceeded expectations (winners)

Stars have a higher bar to clear. Even if they fail to reach lofty expectations, they may still outperform every other competitor. Still, it's worth noting who stood out, for better or for worse. After all, camp lays the foundation for the season.

Winners and Losers from Rams training camp

Loser 1: Wide receiver Xavier Smith

After the way the 2025 season ended for return specialist Xavier Smith (something about a muffed punt in a critical game), he had to show strong in training camp. Unfortunately, that just didn't happen. And so, his lock on the special teams returner role feels very much up for grabs.

With receiver Tutu Atwell's departure, Smith is the most prominent speedster left on the offense. But speed appears to be taking a back seat to physicality and outright bully-ball.

Loser 2: Running back Jarquez Hunter

After not getting any offensive work in 2025, running back Jarquez Hunter seems to be stuck on the sidelines behind starting running backs Kyren Williams and Blake Corum. He won't gain much by aging on the bench. He may also have to outduel Ronnie Rivers for a roster spot if the Rams shave the RB room to three.

Preseason may prove to be Hunter's last chance to crack the offense.

Winner 1: Linebacker Grant Stuard

Signing veteran linebacker Grant Stuard looks like a clear win for Los Angeles. Stuard arrived as a special teams savant, but he has contributed on defense as well. LA seems to be onto something in its linebacker additions after discovering Nate Landman last season.

While Stuard may be a backup, he certainly made the most of training camp.

Winner 2: Tight end coach Scott Huff

Coach Scott Huff earned applause for the incredible job he did with the entire tight end group in his first season. Huff transformed a positional group that was a liability before he arrived into one of the NFL's most productive. Rams tight ends accounted for 17 receiving touchdowns in all.

Both he and assistant Dan Shamash completely altered the offense with last season's plug-and-play quartet of Colby Parkinson, Tyler Higbee, Terrance Ferguson, and Davis Allen. Can they do the same with five tight ends this season, including rooie Max Klare? Let's wait and see.

Winner 3: Cornerback Cam Lampkin

While he has yet to make his mark as a pro, cornerback Cam Lampkin showed that he is ready for a larger role in the secondary this season. He was an outright stars in camp, appearing in highlight reels on an almost daily basis.

Of course, enthusiasm over his performance must be tempered, as he seldom faced starting quarterback Matthew Stafford.

Winner 4: Cornerback Emmanuel Forbes

Emmanuel Forbes was demoted with the arrival of starting cornerbacks Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson. But rather than wallow in self-pity, he has used the opportunity to sharpen his coverage skills. In practice, he has routinely defended one of the NFL's best receivers in Davante Adams.

He flashed solid playmaking abilities last season. As a rotational piece rather than a starter, he may have settled into the right niche. Forbes' stock is on the rise once more.

Winner 5: Receiver CJ Daniels

Rookies seldom get opportunities to compete with the first-stringers in LA's offense. But wide receiver CJ Daniels has proven that there is always room in Sean McVay's unit for a receiver who catches every football thrown his way. Daniels shone in practice with the rookies, with the backups, and with the starters.

And he catches everything in sight.

Winner 6: Quarterback Stetson Bennett

Who would have thunk that backup quarterback Stetson Bennett would be the talk of Rams training camp? The former Bulldog showed up as his staunch believers hoped he would.

He also helped young pass-catchers shine through his capable play, demonstrating a strong command of the offense from the huddle to the pocket. Bennett may not inspire euphoria in fans, but his teammates love what he brings.

Training camp is about seeing who does and does not fit their roles. With nearly all starting and major rotational roles claimed, Rams camp drew its fuel from love for the game and the chance to remain with the organization in some capacity throughout this season, whether as a backend rotation player or a practice squad member.

And that spirit showed in strong performances up and down the depth chart. This team is rock solid.

As always, thanks for reading.

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