All eyes will be on the linebackers as Rams training camp begins next week
The Los Angeles Rams will end their summer break next week when they report to training camp and start preparing for the 2025 season. As is the case during every training camp, there will be a handful of position battles that fans and media will be watching closely. Last season it was the battle at the third wide receiver spot. This year, many will be watching what happens at linebacker among other positions. Let’s take a look at the top position battles.
1. Linebacker
- Nate Landman vs. Omar Speights vs. Chris Paul Jr. vs. Shaun Dolac
The linebacker position is going to be one in which everybody will be watching during training camp. There may be favorites on who will be the starting pair, but nothing is set in stone. Omar Speights will have experience from last year and the Rams signed Nate Landman in free agency. Still, nothing seems guaranteed for those two. The Rams also drafted Chris Paul Jr. in the fifth round and Shaun Dolac was one of the higher rated undrafted free agents.
There is opportunity here for anybody to separate themselves. The Rams will be looking for the best two linebackers and someone the coaching staff can trust to run the defense. Landman and Speights will bring experience, but Paul and Dolac have a lot of upside and are both exciting players. Again, Landman and Speights are likely the favorites. That also doesn’t mean that training camp will end with those two as the starters if Paul or Dolac stand out.
2. Backup Running Back
- Blake Corum vs. Jarquez Hunter
Another position that will catch a lot of attention throughout training camp is at running back. The Rams drafted Blake Corum last year, but he didn’t have an impact in the running game. At the same time, the Rams just drafted Jarquez Hunter in April. This is a team looking for some explosiveness on offense, especially in the run game. That’s exactly what Hunter brings which is different from both Corum and Kyren Williams.
Many are hoping that head coach Sean McVay implements more of a running back by committee heading into 2025. If that happens, that could mean that more touches are up for grab behind Williams. The player that stands out the most in the passing game and in pass protection will likely have the upper hand. They also need to be able to keep the offense on track. Corum will have the experience from last year which should help as Hunter has a lot to work on in pass protection. However, if Hunter is able to pick up that part of the offense quickly, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him surpass Corum.
3. EDGE Depth
- Nick Hampton vs. Josaiah Stewart vs. Brennan Jackson
The Rams have their starting edge players set in stone heading into the 2025 season in Jared Verse and Byron Young. However, with the departure of Michael Hoecht, the Rams will be searching for a third player that can rotate in when needed. They need someone that can spell Verse and Young. Nick Hampton, Josaiah Stewart, and Brennan Jackson will be competing for that role. If the Rams pass rush is going to continue as a top unit, one of these three need to step up.
Hampton is heading into year three, but has dealt with injuries over the past two years. He hasn’t developed as some may have expected, but has the experience in the defense that the other two don’t. Many will want to write him off and potentially have him as a roster cut, but it may be smart to wait and see on Hampton. While the Rams drafted Stewart in the third round, he will still be a rookie. He does bring some of the similar skillset as Hoecht and would add a speed element to the pass rush. For Stewart, it’s all about building early trust. Lastly, Brennan Jackson is heading into year two and is also built in the same mold as Hoecht. At the same time, he didn’t get much playing time last year.
4. Cornerback Depth
- Derion Kendrick vs. Emmanuel Forbes
The Rams cornerbacks are mostly set in stone. It should be expected for Darious Williams and Ahkello Witherspoon to start on the outside with Cobie Durant in the slot. Still, there will be plenty of competition behind them, especially between Derion Kendrick and Emmanuel Forbes.
Kendrick was cut earlier in the offseason, but was brought back. While a confusing move, it was with the idea of saving money on Kendrick’s contract which had been incentivized due to him playing in a starting role in 2022. There will be a lot of excitement around Forbes, but unless Williams struggles like Tre White did last year, he is likely just depth. It’s very possible that only one of Forbes or Kendrick make the roster. For Forbes, he could be playing for his last shot in the NFL as a former first-round pick that is on his second team.
5. Center/Interior Depth
- Coleman Shelton vs. Beaux Limmer
- KT Leveston vs. Willie Lampkin vs. Dylan McMahon vs. Justin Dedich
Heading into the offseason, many would have expected Beaux Limmer to be the starting center. Limmer took over for Jonah Jackson in the middle of 2024 and never looked back, providing stability at that spot. However, the Rams signed a familiar face in Coleman Shelton in free agency. Shelton will be the favorite here and there likely won’t be much of a competition. Still, this is one to keep an eye on this summer.
With that said, the main competition on the offensive line will be at the depth spots. The Rams actually have some intriguing depth on the interior. KT Leveston was a late-round draft pick last year and Justin Dedich has some starting experience. Dylan McMahon was a sixth-round pick by the Philadelphia Eagles who the Rams claimed off of waivers. The most exciting player here, however, will be Willie Lampkin. Lampkin lacks size, but has consistently dominated competition when given the opportunity. Despite going undrafted, Lampkin could find a spot on the roster. Limmer can be included in this group as well.