Week 1 flashpoints and buzz from Rams training camp

One player from each position that could make difference in 2025

For many of us fans, opening day of the Los Angeles Rams training camp couldn’t come soon enough. OTAs, speculation and debate are fine, appetizers to sate us through the post-draft lull, but now we get to see some real meat on the bone.

It’s only the first week and most of the workouts have not been in pads, but position and roster battles are in full rage. Week 1 hasn’t been without it’s drama or unexpected good news. In this exercise, I have targeted players at each position that are flashpoints, spots that could easily ignite— into heat to drive Rams machine or a devastating fire. I also dug through all the on-location reports, video, and X posts I could round up and posted the most interesting tidbits. I tried to cite, at least once, each of the on-site reporters. If I missed, I am sorry, their hard work to relay reports from camp are greatly appreciated.

Quarterback

Matthew Stafford

Is his back really something to worry about or simply a case of a veteran who knows how best to manage his workload? A day or so before camp’s opening whistle, Staff was co-chairing and participating in a day long walkathon/community event.

Update:

Camp Buzz: Jimmy Garappolo is taking the #1 snaps and his play has been up and down. He’s been having success hooking up with his tight ends, not surprising considering his background with Rob Gronkowski and George Kittle. Reports are that Stetson Bennett is looking much improved and in command of the offense, navigating the pocket, making his reads, and flashing some move skills when flushed.

Running back

Blake Corum

Recently profiled here at TST. While Kyren Williams is still RB#1 for 2025, fans need to keep in mind that he and the Rams are no closer to signing an extension. Should the Rams compensate him with Tier 1 backs? Or is his production based on the L.A. offense and large share of touches?

Camp buzz: KWill is getting a lot of receiving reps. Both Corum and Jarquez Hunter are showing off burst and speed, breaking long runs.

Wide receiver

Jordan Whittington

I favored Tutu Atwell over bigger wide receivers because I thought his insertion into the offense made the Rams offense more multiple. I still do, but feel that Whittington can potentially offer much of the same versatility, just in a more physical package. Whit spent the off-season working out with Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua and with a solid rookie season under his belt, looks to blossom.

Camp buzz: It’s been a case of Puka being Puka, ferociously diving and fighting for catches, the Rams will have to protect him from himself. According to Sean McVay, Davante Adams is imparting his experience with the other Rams wide outs. Watching out pattern drills, he is just so smooth and sharp out of his breaks.

Tight end

Terrance Ferguson

While he may not be a starter, Ferguson adds playmaking capability to the unit and has been catching everything thrown near him, whereas Tyler Higbee, Colby Parkinson, and Davis Allen are considered athletically to be in the workhorse category. When Ferguson eventually carves out a good-sized role, the L.A. offense becomes more multiple.

Camp buzz: Ferguson, along with the three vets are sharing first team reps. Although there were no details why, UDFA Mark Redman, a $20k bonus signee, was put on the PUP list. That leaves Anthony Torres as TE#5. He really looks big and agile

Offensive line

DJ Humphries

Huge question mark at an important position, currently splitting reps with Warren McClendon. Joining the Rams after OTAs, Humphries is certainly stepping into a tough situation and his play on the field centers him in the eye of the storm. A history of knee injuries has plagued a big chunk of his career and kept him from living up to his Round 1 draft pedigree.

Camp buzz: While Alaric Jackson’s blood clots were a major letdown, there’s also a little sunshine. AJax is in camp and not starting the season on the PUP list. He’s been working on the side with training staff, but was spotted in some 11on11 drills on Friday. These are good signs and he has not been ruled out for Week 1 of the regular season. The return of center Coleman Shelton has raised the communication level on the offensive line.

Special teams

With place kickerJosh Karty, punter Ethan Evans, and long snapper Alex Ward entering their second full season together, Special Teams Coordinator Chase Blackburn expects the cohesiveness to improve. He feels “confident” about the competition between Xavier Smith and Britain Covey at punt returner, citing Smith’s four phase versatility from last year and Covey’s “highly-rated” draft projection.

Defensive line

Poona Ford

The veteran steps in to the nose tackle role, an area where L.A. has been inconsistent since losing Sebastian Joseph-Day. Although the position is generally considered a run-stopping job, teammates have been impressed with Ford’s ability to win 1on1 matchups and get after the passer.

Camp buzz: The pass rush has been dominant at this early stage, forcing the Rams QB’s to a lot of short stuff and check downs. Turner looks to be the leader of this group, gathering his mates around him for motivational words.

Edge

Brennan Jackson

The second-year player was profiled here on TST, and has been working as E#3. He’s been showing the power and effort the Rams scouting staff saw in him. Someone has to fill the 639 rep and 56 tackle void of Michael Hoecht’s departure. Jackson’s chances are good if he can evade the minor injury bug as well as opposing lineman.

Camp buzz: Jared Verse and Byron Young have become the vocal leaders of a chippy, chirpy defense, according to Defensive Coordinator David Shula. These two provide a very high ceiling for the team’s edge work.

Off-ball linebacker

Nate Landman

The free agent signee is drawing raves from the coaching staff for his command of the position and has the full attention of teammates in the huddle. He’s continuing his showing from OTAs as profiled here on TST.

Camp buzz: Landman has wrested away the green dot and it is his to lose. He and Omar Speights are getting a lot of reps in pass coverage. UDFA Shaun Dolac has been shown he already has a grasp on the Rams defense and his play has been physical and aggressive. Although unreported, Chris Paul could be fighting an injury.

Safety

Jaylen McCollough

If the L.A. cornerbacks and/or linebackers up their game, limiting the Rams four-safety “dime” packages, McCollough stands to be the odd man out. He makes up for his lack of elite athleticism with instincts, football IQ and toughness. Even if only entering his second season, these traits make him a player that needs to be on the field.

Camp buzz: Not much scuttlebutt on this unit, but DC Shula called Quentin Lake the “linchpin” of the Rams secondary.

Cornerback

Darious Williams

You could make an argument for Emmanuel Forbes here, but Williams is at a crossroads. At 32, he’s carved out a career after joining the league as a UDFA. Over his career, he’s battled injury, as he did last year. Small in stature, Williams is a solid cover guy and willing tackler against the run with a strong performance as recently as 2023.

Camp buzz: As a unit, they have been aggressive and ball-hawking. McVay is pleased with the group, citing their “energy.” Jared Verse said, “They are locking everything up.” Cobie Durant has been singled out for his coverage work. Forbes has been getting reps with the first team and the love from his OTA efforts is carrying over through the first week of camp.

Surprises from Week 1?

It’s only been a few practices, so there hasn’t been a lot of buzz about the youngsters. Rams Round 2 pick Terrance Ferguson is getting plenty of run and UDFA Shaun Dolac has gotten props, but it’s been fairly quiet on the rest.

Offensively, two things stand out. One, Alaric Jackson being in camp and on the field, not on the PUP/NFI list is really big news. Two, how many playmakers the Rams potentially have. Three good running backs, four wide receivers and four tight ends should create a multiple offense, offering a good mix of size, speed, and savvy. Opposing defenses will be stretched to cover both vertically and horizontally.

Defensively, the only news better than the expected strong play of the L.A. pass rush is the secondary playing fast and aggressively. Coaches have been raving about Cobie Durant and the improvement of Emmanuel Forbes, while newcomer Nate Landman is set to wear the green dot at middle linebacker.

The promise shown Week 1 should whet fans appetite for more.