Rams rookie trio can climb the depth chart with strong preseason debut

The Los Angeles Rams have finally released the 2026 first 'unofficial' Rams depth chart. If you haven't yet, you can check out our position-by-position breakdown. But what about specific concerns for individual players?

Fans have high hopes for rookies added in the 2026 draft. But those hopes suffered a blow when the published depth chart listed only one of them, tight end Max Klare, higher than the third string.
And Klare is listed behind veterans Tyler Higbee and Davis Allen.

It's nothing new to see rookies listed on the bottom rung of a Rams depth chart in August. Still, the need to impress in preseason games is not an exaggeration.

As generous as the Rams can be with opportunities to rookies, drafted or undrafted, they don't award roster slots out of the goodness of their heart. Rookies must earn the right to remain with the team. Here are three candidates who, surprisingly, must get going to secure their spot this season.

3 Rams rookies who need to show up against the Chiefs

1. Wide receiver CJ Daniels

Don't be fooled by glowing training camp reports. Daniels is fighting for playing time against multiple veterans who are far more familiar with the routine. Still, cream rises to the top. And Daniels is certainly giving off top-tier vibes so far.

He will be catching passes from fellow rookie quarterback Ty Simpson. It's the beginning of a connection Rams fans may cherish for the next many years. But Daniels will need to make a statement against the Chiefs. All evidence so far suggests that he will do exactly that.

2. Nose tackle Tim Keenan III

In training camp, rookies seldom get a lion's share of the work, nor the attention of coaches. But Keenan will have all eyes on him whenever he takes the field in the first preseason game of the season. Built like a fire plug, and as powerful as a Mack truck, Keenan will finally get to showcase what he can do.

He needn't sack quarterbacks. He simply needs to neutralize double teams, hold his ground, and stuff the run. It's one of the most difficult roles for a defensive lineman. But Keenan is up to the task.

3. Offensive tackle Keagen Trost

Trost brings a book of business across all positions along an offensive line. But in Los Angeles, he needs to prove that he can handle one position at a time. Against the Chiefs, he will suit up at right tackle.

It's a golden opportunity to shine, but one fraught with danger. The best Trost can hope for is anonymity. For offensive linemen, invisibility means capability. Trost has huge potential for a future starting role, but he will need to lock down his value in the preseason opener to realize it.

Preseason games can be very entertaining. That is especially true for LA fans interested in seeing who takes the burden of leading the team's next chapter.

As always, thanks for reading.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow