Rams training camp yields 4 unexpected results fans should keep on their radar

The Los Angeles Rams have been working hard in training camp. In many ways, the narratives that have emerged confirm what many fans expected or suspected. Myles Garrett lives in the backfield. Matthew Stafford stuns defensive backs with his no-look dimes. Davante Adams and Puka Nacua are consistently superb.

In other news, night is dark, and water is wet.

Rather that continue confirming what we already know, now is as good a time as any to cite some mildly surprising developments, the storylines we didn't anticipate. Evidence continues to stack up in support, suggesting that these trends could produce regular-season impacts.

Of course, training camp is by no means unshakable proof of what will be. And even in the context of training camp, the team has only practiced for two weeks. Still, it's time to plant some seeds on the radar.

Four training-camp storylines few Rams fans expected

4. Veteran linebacker Grant Stuard brings more than meets the eye

While added to the roster to boost special teams coverage, Stuard has an open opportunity to show up on defense as well. At 5-foot-11 and 225 pounds, Stuard is a bit undersized for a linebacker. He enters his sixth season having established himself as a special teams savant. He did however, play a significant number of defensive snaps for the Indianapolis Colts in 2024.

Stuard almost certainly will make the roster. But if he continues to thump on defense, he could bump a marginal linebacker like Elias Neal from the team. Stuard's stock is rising rapidly. Keep him on your radar.

3. Absence of left tackle Alaric Jackson drives competition on offensive line

Uncertainty still surrounds Jackson. He may face disciplinary action from the NFL to begin the year. While that Diomedes Sword hangs over his head, he is once again receiving ongoing treatment for a blood-clotting condition that requires sitting out practice at regular intervals.

Veteran tackle David Quessenberry has absorbed those vacated reps with the starters. While not reported, Jackson's absence almost certainly increases reps for rookie Keagen Trost as well.

2. Edge rusher Josaiah Stewart making huge leap in Year 2

While already projected to improve in his second season, Stewart is surpassing even those lofty expectations. And that has only accelerated as the team has had limit Garrett's workload due to lower-body soreness. In Garrett's absence, Stewart has been crafting his arsenal of moves.

Fans, beat writers, and coaches are noticing.

The Rams needs Stewart. The outside pass rush depends heavily upon a trio of main players in Garrett, Stewart, and Byron Young. The former third-round pick is not only delivering, he's raising eyebrows in the process.

1. Stetson Bennett is QB2, hands down

How did anyone project rookie Ty Simpson as the primary backup this season? The pattern of promoting veterans over rookies is a long-standing Horns tradition. And breadcrumbs dropped along the way have been easy to spot. (For one thing, Bennett mastered a tight end-focused offense in college.)

Coaching hires like former Cardinals head coach Kliff Kingsbury have optimized Bennett's growth.

It was obvious in 2025 preseason games that the former Georgia quarterback had turned the corner. Whereas he led the team to two come-from-behind victories in the 2024 preseason, he had full command of the offense last year leading a band of rookies and bubble players.

It seems he has finally arrived. As Jimmy Garoppolo pondered retirement, Bennett seized the opportunity to burn off any residual doubts or concerns. While head coach Sean McVay has not formally declared his second-stringer, it has been Bennett all along.

Mcvay shared this after a day's worth of practice:

"We were kind of unscripted, and Matthew was out here, and so Stetson got the work that he's earned."

Head coach Sean McVay

Fans will know when Bennett is held out of preseason games. But mark it down now. Stetson Bennett has taken charge of the second-team snaps.

Training camp is more than players gearing up for the season. It's the return of real competition. Fans finally have concrete evidence to cheer. Meanwhile, projections and speculations end. Real football takes over.

Enjoy the chance to witness this team prepare for what may be a very memorable season.

As always, thanks for reading.

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