Winners and losers from the first week of Rams training camp

Winners

After sharing the news about players who are falling behind in training camp due to injuries or outstanding play of teammates, I wanted to end this article with a more positive gaze into the future. And in the interest of more glowing reviews, here are some players who are clearly making positive impressions on coaches, teammates, and fans so far.

WR Xavier Smith

I have to admit that I never would have expected to name second year wide receiver Xavier Smith on this list, but live and learn I suppose. Smith is a second-year undrafted receiver who was signed by the Rams after the 2023 NFL Draft, and who spent last season on the team's practice squad. He played for Florida A&M, stands 5-foot-9 and weighs 173 pounds. In many ways, he resembles the style of teammate Tutu Atwell.

While he did not get much press last season, he was cited with some high praise before the draft. But Smith (referred to as Xavier Woods by The Athletic's Jourdan Rodrigue) has been making some great receptions so far thrown by backup QB Jimmy Garoppolo. And reports are that he is getting special teams work as well

That is excellent news, as Smith had extensive experience in returning both kickoffs and punts in college.

In a footrace, Xavier Smith put up a 4.44-second 40-yard-dash time, while Tutu Atwell put up a 4.39-second 40-yard-dash time. But Smith is entering his second season, and is clearly showing up in positive reports so far. Keep him on your radar.

S Kamren Curl

I probably should not have included free agent veteran safety Kamren Curl in this report, because there has been so much written about him already, this report may have the feel of 'water is wet,' to you. If so, I apologize in advance. But he is one player that is almost impossible to stay calm about. He is a big hitter in the secondary, and he has the natural flow and instincts to wreak havoc on opposing teams' passing game.

Standing 6-foot-2 and weighing 205 pounds, Curl is an ominous profile in this secondary. Durable, intelligent, capable, and fearless, he moves sideline to sideline on the football field like a fish swims through water. Ever vigilant, he keeps his eyes focused on one spot and everywhere simultaneously. As soon as he decipher where the football is going, he strikes like lightning to get there to make a play.

He is a big volume producer. He put up 115 tackles, broke up five passes, had three tackles for a loss, got one quarterback sack, three quarterback hits, forced a fumble and recovered a fumble. He allowed 32 of 46 passes thrown his way to find their mark, and he surrendered two touchdowns in 2023. Best of all, he continues to improve each season.