Why Rams acted quickly to ink 13 players to Reserve Future contracts for 2025

(9) - ILB Elias Neal

The LA Rams signed two inside linebackers after the 2024 NFL Draft: LSU prospect Omar Speights and Marshall prospect Elias Neal. Neal played in six games in 2024, exclusively in a special teams role. Despite the appearance of playing well in preseason games, he did not grade well. Still, with the lack of depth at the position, the team kept Neal on the practice squad throughout the remainder of the season.

Neal stands 6-foot-0 and weighs 227 pounds, is a passionate player whose chances of making the team's roster were stacked against him from the get-go. Neal is a bit on the smallish side for an inside linebacker, but whenever he is on the football field, he exudes a larger presence. With the team facing the loss of three veteran linebackers at the end of 2024, Neal's return was almost a given.

If the team does not re-sign a veteran to return to a starting role, you can pencil in Elias Neal as a player who will compete for a chance to start in 2025. I would expect the team to draft a rookie to compete for a significant role in that scenario, but Neal will certainly be in the mix.

(10) - DL David Olajiga

Central Missouri rookie defensive tackle David Olajiga stands 6-foot-3, weighs 315 pounds, and enjoyed a full season of training camp with the Rams before he was released as the team pared down to the 53-man roster. Olajiga was signed back to the team's practice squad for 2024 as the 17th player. He filled that 17th slot as a qualifying international player, as reported on the team website, He made such an impression that he returned for 2025.

Olajiga is a massive defensive lineman, a true behemoth who was born in London, England. As such, he is still ramping up his skill set and football forte. He was rather productive at Central Missouri, and that likely attracted the front office to extend him the opportunity to stick on the team's practice squad. We did not see Olajiga in 2024, but his size suggests he could have a contributing role on the defense in 2025.

Olajiga did see some playing time in the 2024 preseason, and recorded three tackles in a limited role. Because he checks the box for the NFL's International Pathway Program, fans should be prepared to be patient with his development. He is a huge, physical, and powerful defensive lineman who is still learning and absorbing the game. 2025 could be a year for him to flip the switch as a productive contributor.