Rams youth is out to upset expectations as soon as training camp begins

On one hand, there's talent. On the other hand, there's fit. The Los Angeles Rams have both. Defying the odds to find success, the roster holds just one player drafted by LA in the first round of any draft. That lone first-rounder is rookie Ty Simpson.

So it should come as no surprise that at least one NFL analyst gives the "Shania Twain treatment" to Los Angeles' talent pipeline (That don't impress me much). In any niche ranking category, someone has to finish last. And it's easy to target a team that loves to trade away draft picks.

ESPN's Aaron Schatz recently ranked the Rams dead last in NFL talent under 25. While that may be correct, it's certainly going to incentivize young players to exert maximum effort throughout training camp.

That may not seem like a big deal at this stage of preparing for a new season, but it could be the first indicator of just how important the next several weeks will be for individual NFL careers and the team's future.

Rams rookies won't be anonymous for long

The Rams spent 10 draft picks on 3 players in 2026. Those new additions, of course, were rookie receiver CJ Daniels, All-Pro cornerback Trent McDuffie, and the reigning Defensive Player of the Year, Myles Garrett.

But LA's willingness to part ways with picks to acquire top talent is not only about mortgaging the future. It also requires a great deal of trust in the young players already on the roster.

Los Angeles currently rosters 20 rookies. Two of those rookies are already 25 years old: offensive tackle Keagen Trost and outside linebacker Wesley Bailey. General manager Les Snead values maturity in his players, which typically comes over time.

Snead does not hesitate, then, to draft older prospects, like edge rusher Byron Young in 2023. Multiple teams passed on Young due to his age (25).

And therein lies the rub.

But don't conclude that LA's disinterest in youth equates to not possessing talented young players. Defensive back Kam Kinchens, receiver Konata Mumpfield, and tight end Terrance Ferguson are all who are poised for breakouts. Rookie pass-catchers CJ Daniels and Max Klare will join the training camp competition.

Camp gets underway soon. After that comes preseason. For Rams fans, that means the next month or so will be all about young players finding their niche to contribute. Those who do will earn names for themselves. Those who do not will remain anonymous.

Do the Rams have the worst young talent in the league? That seems harsh. In part it is a symptom of splashing headlines with such radiant veteran talent that rookies have been eclipsed. Training camp will allow the spotlight to shine on them as well.

And as always, thanks for reading.

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