Training camp is finally here, which marks the unofficial return of football. Los Angeles Rams players are arriving on Tuesday and will hit the field for practice on Thursday in front of fans at Loyola Marymount University, continuing their preparation for the 2025 season.
This will be the first time Rams rookies put on pads and truly compete for roster spots, so they’re looking to make a strong impression on their coaching staff. It’s not just the drafted rookies aiming to stand out, either. There’s a host of undrafted players who will try to make a name for themselves.
These seven rookies are worth keeping an eye on throughout training camp, led by the Rams’ top draft pick, Terrance Ferguson.
TE Terrance Ferguson
Ferguson is the headlining rookie, being the Rams’ top pick from the 2025 draft. Beyond being their first pick, Ferguson is a flat-out exciting player with his athleticism and potential.
It’ll be interesting to see how the reps are split between him and Tyler Higbee, as well as the other tight ends on the roster. We could get a glimpse at how the Rams envision the offense looking, potentially with more 12 personnel packages that include Ferguson.
RB Jarquez Hunter
Kyren Williams isn’t in any danger of losing his starting job at running back but Hunter’s speed and explosiveness could turn heads this summer. He’s a fast playmaker out of the backfield and given the absence of full-on tackling in practice, Hunter could break off some long runs behind a stout offensive line.
He might have the highest ceiling of any Rams running back in terms of creating big plays, pairing his speed with good power through contact, too.
LB Chris Paul Jr.
Paul was one of the most popular picks by the Rams when the draft wrapped up and fans will be itching to see him on the practice field during training camp. He has good speed as a second-level defender and plays with impressive aggressiveness, flying to the football and meeting ball-carriers with force.
Paul won’t be wrapping up his teammates and bringing them to the ground in practice but his coverage skills will absolutely be on display as he attempts to earn a spot in the starting lineup sooner rather than later.
OLB Josaiah Stewart
Kobie Turner said this offseason that he noticed Stewart consistently winning his matchups in practice, which is good to hear coming from a defensive leader like “The Conductor.” Like Paul, Stewart plays incredibly hard and always gives maximum effort on every play, which is what makes up for his smaller stature as an edge rusher.
Stewart will need to overtake Nick Hampton and Brennan Jackson in order to be the primary backup at outside linebacker, a role Michael Hoecht previously held with the Rams.
LB Shaun Dolac
Dolac was a football magnet last season at Buffalo, recording an FBS-high 168 total tackles, which set a school record. He also had 19 tackles for a loss, five interceptions and 6.5 sacks, returning those five picks for a total of 177 yards with one touchdown.
He was one of the most productive players in college football last year and though he’s undersized, he’s a hard worker who could emerge as a playmaker for the Rams at a weak spot on defense.
OL Willie Lampkin
Speaking of undersized, Lampkin was the smallest offensive lineman in the draft this year, standing just 5-foot-10 and 270 pounds. That’s tiny by NFL standards but his talent is undeniable, allowing zero sacks in the last two years with the Tar Heels.
The Rams have decent depth on the interior already but Lampkin has the skill set to surprise some people in training camp. He performed well at the Senior Bowl against some of the top defenders in the nation and he’ll likely hold his own against the Rams’ backup defensive linemen, too.
S Malik Dixon-Williams
Jaylen McCollough made the Rams’ 53-man roster as an undrafted rookie last year and Dixon-Williams will try to do the same at safety. He has a 40.5-inch vertical and picked off seven passes in the last four years at UConn, totaling 258 tackles and 12 passes defensed.
Kamren Kinchens, Kamren Curl and Quentin Lake are locks to make the team, along with McCollough, most likely. But there’s room for another defensive back like Dixon-Williams.
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This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: 7 Rams rookies to watch in training camp, including 3 UDFAs
Reporting by Cameron DaSilva, Rams Wire / Rams Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
