What I’ll be watching for in the Rams opener

The wait is over, Los Angeles Rams football is back. Time to box up those preseason thoughts, all the hype, speculation, and over-reaction. Don’t discard them, just shake them up and repurpose them as post-preseason game analysis.

Fortunes will rise and fall, but the stars won’t shine, this production will be left to the understudy’s. As expected, the Rams will sit as many as 40 players and the Chiefs are on the same platform. Simple schemes will be the rule. That doesn’t ensure the game will be boring, in last year’s three games, L.A. charted just under 1100 yards of total offense, 672 through the air and 418 on the ground.

Here’s what I will be watching for in Saturday’s opening game with the Kansas City Chiefs

Quarterback

Now that the word has come down that Stetson Bennett will start, it will offer a fans to view both Bennett and Ty Simpson in an enclosed sample. And offers a chance to create some QB controversy. 

Bennett has shown improvement over his L.A. tenure and should have a solid command of the offensive principles, even as vanilla as they will likely be in an opening preseason game. His glaring problem, that appears to still persist to this day, is his decision making and the resulting lack of ball security.

Although Simpson will face media (and fans too) applied post-game pressure, comparing his play to other rookie QB’s without the draft pedigree, on-field pressure will be mostly self-inflicted. In his first NFL action, if Simpson can simply get the team in and out of the huddle, show he can make the proper reads, and put the ball where it belongs, we fans can mark it down as progress.

Running back

There’s not a lot of rungs on the ladder for Jarquez Hunter to ascend. What he can do is to keep grinding and lock up RB#3. Ronnie Rivers could be vulnerable, last year his snaps were down substantially on both offense and special teams from past couple of seasons. He did fill a small role with 16 kickoff returns (2nd on team). 

Jordan Waters and Dean Conners will battle for a practice squad berth. Waters offers a combination of size/athleticism and played well last preseason. Conners is a faster/twitchier version of Ronnie Rivers. Shows the base traits of a third down back, tough runner, willing blocker, and good receiver.

Wide receiver

So far, there is still no clear-cut WR#3. So, it  will be about trying to get a read on who is making hay for that role. Of the three odds-on contenders, Jordan Whittington, Konata Mumpford, and Xavier Smith, I would expect Whittington to get the afternoon off. Mumpford might be locked in, but should probably play and Smith certainly should. 

The good news is that the backup receivers played pretty well last preseason. It has been widely reported that the Rams rotated their wideouts between the first and second units all through camp. Tyler Scott had some run with the first team on a couple of occasions, he was highly thought of coming into the league and although he has yet to put it together, I think he has the skills to pressure those just ahead on the depth chart. Rookie CJ Daniels had some early-camp buzz, now gets to do it against live action. While reports were quiet about Brennan Presley and Tru Edwards, Mario Williams showed connection with Ty Simpson on more than a couple of occasions.

Tight end

To start the season, the cupboard is full, but there are some interesting traits amongst the the backups. Seeing how the Rams line them up, will they lean right into the multi-tight end sets or save it for the regular season? A 13 formation of Max Klare, Dan Villari, and Rohan Jones would be make for some fun mismatches, all have good hands and the potential for run after catch yards. Although Mark Redman is more of a traditional TE, a bit heavy-footed, he’s got hands and is a fine blocker.

Offensive line

As much as I would like to see Keagan Trost in live action, the offensive line depth, or rather the lack of it, may not allow it. Wyatt Bowles was, to my eye, the Rams best preseason lineman last year, showing at both guard and center. Be very cool to see him take another step forward and make the opening roster. With Justin Dedich still out, it is within striking distance. Austin Blaske and Bryce Henderson were interesting undrafted additions and it will be enlightening to see if they can bring something to the table. The remaining guys, AJ Arcuri, Dylan McMahon, Bill Murray, and Blake Hance are all veterans of some ilk and don’t really excite me.

Special teams

Like everyone else, just seeing an improved overall effort would be a start. Boring down a bit, who’s back for punt and kickoff returners could be interesting, I recall reading numerous names thrown into the returner hat. Hopefully the Rams don’t play it conservative and fair catch everything.

Defensive interior

It’s fair to want to see and expect a little more from Ty Hamilton, his snaps per game were up in the last year’s stretch drive and playoffs, but he needs to show some dominance against preseason opposition. I like Larrell Murchison, but I don’t see what he can prove by playing that he hasn’t already shown. Bill Norton had a nice 2026 preseason, maybe he can build on it. Tim Keenan is interesting, if he can return to his 2024 college form, he could be a real keeper. Have to admit, I’m indifferent towards the two undrafted rookies, Payton Zdroik and Jaxson Moi.

Edge

By most reportage, Josiah Stewart and Desjuan Johnson have had solid camps and will likely sit. With five backups, Keir Thomas, Tremon Fox, Wesley Bailey, Darryl Peterson, and Daniel Rickert, L.A. has enough for preseason games. I’ve always respected Thomas’ football prowess, but his tweener size and athleticism make him a tough fit. Fox has been around a few seasons without distinction. Undrafted Bailey has reportedly had reps with the first defense, showing off his stellar size/athleticism. Peterson will have to showcase versatility, IQ, and effort. Recently acquired, Rickert showed some ability to pressure QB’s in his senior college season.

Off-ball linebacker

Just yesterday, the Rams added former Round 3 draft pick Monty Rice, this hints to me that Shaun Dolac won’t be seeing much preseason action. Not sure if Rice will up to speed by Saturday, but may very well suit up as backup to Nikhai Hill-Green and Elias Neal. I’ll be watching undrafted Hill-Green to see if his college game can transition to the pro level.

Safety

Since I have put Nick Anderson on my post-OTA opening 53, his game evaluation will in my notes. Tanner Ingle has been around a few seasons and can compete at this level, his hair-on-fire play style is always a kick. I thought Nate Valcarcel did pretty well last in last year’s preseason games, looking to see if he’s added a little muscle and can still free-range out in center field. Alex Cook comes over from the UFL after bouncing around the NFL for three seasons.

Cornerback

Although not a big role, finding out who wins the CB#4 does set depth. I have seen clips of both Josh Wallace and Cam Lampkin working with the first defense. Reports are that Cam Lampkin had an outstanding camp. I would expect both to play, at least early in the game. After those two, there a bunch of bodies, but not a lot of game experience.

Behind them, the Rams recently added Zech McPherson, a 2021 Round 4 draft pick. He never really broke through on defense with his drafting team, the Philadelphia Eagles, but did have a substantial amount of reps on special teams. He’s trying to come back from a 2023 Achilles Tendon tear and spent 2024 on the Jacksonville Jaguars practice squad. Last year, he was placed on the Injured Reserve List by the Jags in August (undisclosed injury) and was released a few weeks later. He spent 2025 out of football.

L.A. recently released undrafted Drey Norwood, but still have three UDFA corners that should see a lot of play time on Saturday. Alex Johnson, on the Rams practice squad last year, has reportedly had a good showing in camp. Decent sized, he’s a nice combo of speed, twitch, and length. Al’Zillion Hamilton has some plus traits and solid college film, but couldn’t pass his physical and got a late start in camp. Ofttimes a player at his pedigree doesn’t get enough reps upon return to make up lost ground. Nyzier Fourqurean strikes me more as a safety prospect, but we’ll get to see how the Rams use him.

Finally, some game action

Vanilla schemes aside, it will be good to see the Rams in action. Nate Scheelhaase will call the offensive plays and whether or not you agree with the Round 1 selection of Ty Simpson, there should be a sense of anticipation surrounding his play.

For the record, along with Simpson, the players I’ll be watching/rooting for to prosper are Wyatt Bowles, Tyler Scott, Nikhai Hill-Green, Nick Anderson, and Al’Zillion Hamilton.

Bowles showed he could compete with other prospects last preseason and now has year of strength work under his belt. With Justin Dedich still sidelined, he has a path to the 53. If Scott can finally get it all together, he’s got the tools to be WR#3. His ascension would be a boon for the receiver room. Hill-Green strikes me as the Rams linebacker prototype, tough, high character, and football smart. Oh yeah, undrafted, as well. Nick Anderson, mostly because I stepped out on projecting him, and Al’Zillion Hamilton because I’m a Fresno State Bulldogs fan and he’s shown some real ball-hawking skills on his film.

Which Individual Rams, or units, will you be looking out for?