Key rookies to watch as the 2024 LA Rams training camp unfolds

It's the LA Rams return to training camp, and if you have followed along with our recent articles, or those of many websites featuring the Rams, you may be under the impression that intense competition is already over for the Rams roster and that starting roles are already determined. Perhaps. But while camp may not be about starting roles up for grabs, there is certainly a lot to sort out in terms of a 53-man roster.

And that is where the fun is right now.

OL Beaux Limmer

While the chances for former Arkansas inside linebacker Beaux Limmer earning a starting role on the Rams offensive line this season may be remote, don't overlook the fact that he is relatively cheap, is insanely talented, is extremely versatile, and is under contract from 2024 through 2027. While that may not mean much this season, it does mean that every preseason game will be that much more entertaining to see how well he does at pancaking defenders.

Limmer is the swing interior offensive line as Joe Noteboom is the swing offensive tackle. If a player goes down between the tackles, look for Beaux to go in.

DB Kamren Kinchens

While rookie defensive back Kamren Kinchens excels at ball-hawking skills, the initial look for the Rams depth chart seems to have no opening to get Kinchens onto the football field. With the return of John Johnson III, the Rams have Kamren Curl, John Johnson III, Russ Yeast, and Quenten Lake all seemingly ahead of Kinchens on the depth chart.

But I am calling in now, there is no way Kinchens sits on the bench this season. Whether he is used in defensive sub-packages or simply as a rotational player, he will see playing time. How much time will depend on how well he performs in training camp.

WR Jordan Whittington

Even as rookie wide receiver Jordan Whittington is ideally suited to perform optimally in the Rams offense, don't look for him to be an instant hero like Puka Nacua was in 2023. Rather, the Rams will allow Whittington to grow into the role organically. As long as the team has a healthy Cooper Kupp, Puka Nacua, Demarcus Robinson, and Tutu Atwell, Whittington can ease into the offense organically, at his own pace.

If he creates a big splash in preseason, Whittington will be sooner rather than later. But either way, he will be an ace up HC Sean McVay's sleeve in 2024.

OLB Brennan Jackson

There is no doubt that rookie outside linebacker Brennan Jackson has earned the right for consideration as a rotational player for this defense's pass rush. But will it simply be a cameo appearance, or will he get a meaningful number of snaps? After all, the team has a pretty crowded room of outside linebackers already, and it would be foolish to believe that Jackson will unseat either Byron Young or Jared Verse as the starters.

That does not mean that the physical style of Jackson means that he will sit on the bench. He is a game-changer, a player whose ferocity can upend the momentum in a game and send it back in the Rams favor. He can only do that if he is on the football field. It will be up to the coaches to ensure that he gets that chance.

As always, thanks for reading.