Recognizing 4 Rams preseason standouts who still (probably) won't make the roster

After the Los Angeles Rams' 20-12 preseason win over the Chiefs, everyone is talking about quarterback Ty Simpson. Max Klare stole the show. And receiver Xavier Smith likely locked up his roster spot.

But the Rams also got standout performances from several lesser-known contributors, like running back Dean Connors. The fun part: performances like these provide feel-good stories, and they're what the preseason is all about. 

The reality: most of the performers likely won't make the roster, at least not one as loaded as LA's. With that, let's look at several who probably fit that bill for the Rams, Connors included.

4 Rams who stood out vs Chiefs who still face steep uphill roster climb

Running back Dean Connors

Connors authored the only pair of touchdowns for either team, and finished the day with 51 scrimmage yards on 10 touches. Not only did he impress as a ballcarrier and receiver, he also did good work as a blocker. The Rams value that. 

Unfortunately, the running back room likely doesn't have room for Connors. Behind Kyren Williams and Blake Corum, Ronnie Rivers and Jarquez Hunter stand in his way. No one is foaming at the mouth to make Rivers' case, but he has been a reliable contributor for several seasons, including on special teams. 

Hunter was a fourth-round pick in 2025 and the Rams probably don't want to move on from him just yet in favor of an undrafted rookie in Connors. That said, you never know.

Tight end Mark Redman

Redman is certainly a practice-squad candidate, which Connors could be too if another team doesn't scoop him off waivers. Redman hauled in three targets for 47 yards while looking every bit of his 6-foot-5, 258-pound frame. Despite excellent size, he has good positional agility and could sneak his way onto another team's 53-man roster at some point. 

The Rams simply have too much tight end depth, so much so that Davis Allen could find his roster spot in jeopardy if they decide to stick with four TEs instead of five.

Receiver Brennan Presley

Presley led the way with four catches for 58 yards, tying Redman for the Rams' longest completion of the day on a 23-yard strike from Simpson. He also returned a pair of kickoffs for 59 yards. 

While it was an impressive day for Presley, it's difficult to imagine a promotion from the practice squad, where he spent most of last season. The Rams have too many young receivers ahead of him on the depth chart, and at 5-foot-8, 174 pounds, his lack of size could be an issue against NFL defenses.

Safety Nick Andersen

Andersen flew all around the field, accounting for nine tackles, including a tackle for loss, and two pass deflections. The undrafted Wake Forest product was certainly one of the day's stars, and someone to keep an eye for a potential practice squad spot. 

On the 53-man unit, the Rams' safety corps is already so stacked that breaking into the depth chart is all but impossible. Jaylen McCollough, who did not play Saturday, is the fourth safety behind Kam Curl, Quentin Lake, and Kamren Kinchens. Joshua Wallace can play the nickel behind Lake. 

If Andersen keeps showing up, though, he could earn an opportunity somewhere. 

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