As LA Rams sign rookies, training camp heats up at these positions

Pass rushers

The Rams ended the 2023 NFL season with outside linebackers Michael Hoecht, Byron Young, Nick Hampton, Ochaun Mathis, and Zach VanValkenburg. The team has since added OLBs Jared Verse and Brennan Jackson via the 2024 NFL Draft. While it's logical to conclude that the Rams will factor in Byron Young, Jared Verse, Brennan Jackson, and Michael Hoecht as the primary pass rushers this season, there are some remaining wrinkles to iron out.

For starters, does Hoecht remain as an outside linebacker, or does he revert to a hand in the dirt once more? He is versatile enough to do both. And then there is the matter of depth and who steps up this year from last year's mob of Rams at the position. Verse and Young will be the primary starters, but don't use ink to list anyone playing behind them just yet.

Secondary

The Rams have all but started over with the secondary. While the Rams invested few dollars into defensive backs in 2023, I was more than impressed with their ability to hold their own and even show signs of regrouping despite some injuries incurred throughout the season. But the team thought otherwise, extending none of the three starters whose contracts have expired.

Now, the team must act quickly to re-establish the four C's that make a secondary succeed in the NFL: Communication, Cohesion, Coordination, and Chemistry. It's a safe starting point to view the starters in the secondary as Tre'Various White, Darious Williams, Kamren Kinchens, and Kamren Curl, with Quentin Lake and Cobie Durant competing for a starting role this season.

The key to this season will be which group develops the best chemistry in the least amount of time.