The Los Angeles Rams structured their training camp schedule to have four days of practice followed by a day off. On Wednesday, they wrapped up their first block of practices, taking the field for four straight days from Sunday to Wednesday.
It’s still early on, but a few storylines have developed. There’s a standout performer at wide receiver, an underrated cornerback making plays in practice and some progress on the QB2 battle.
Here are eight takeaways from the Rams’ first block of camp practices.
CJ Daniels is already turning heads in practice
Daniels has been one of the real standouts of camp so far, making plays with the second-team offense and catching seemingly everything thrown his way. Reports from camp have been overwhelmingly positive and even Sean McVay praised the rookie by saying he’s “excited about CJ” and looks forward to seeing him in the preseason.
There has been little said about Jordan Whittington, Xavier Smith and Konata Mumpfield, perhaps because they aren’t the shiny new rookie in the mix, but it seems like Daniels has a real chance to emerge as the No. 3 receiver.
Cam Lampkin is a sleeper at CB
Another unheralded player who’s shining in practice is Lampkin, the former undrafted cornerback. He’s had at least one interception and a couple of notable plays that stood out in practice, making a strong case so far to secure a spot on the 53-man roster.
Lampkin nearly made it last year but the Rams liked the veteran depth they had at the position. There might be more room for Lampkin this year with Emmanuel Forbes Jr. being the only backup locked into a roster spot.
Puka Nacua is in a great place
Nacua has unsurprisingly been crushing it in practice, picking up right where he left off last season. He’s been a star of camp so far, catching a deep ball from Matthew Stafford on Monday before hauling in a one-handed grab over the middle that same practice.
More importantly, he appears to be in a great place off the field. He’s taken accountability for the missteps in his personal life, earning back the trust of the team after raising some maturity questions this offseason.
He intentionally didn’t hold out for a new contract this summer because of how much he loves football, calling it a “safe place” for him around his teammates and coaches.
Stetson Bennett has the early lead in the QB2 race
Bennett and rookie Ty Simpson are competing to be the Rams’ backup quarterback this year, and there’s little question which one is the frontrunner for the job right now. Bennett worked with the first-team offense when Stafford sat out the first day of practice and he has also gotten more reps with the second-team when Stafford has been available, which shows he’s ahead of Simpson.
McVay complimented both quarterbacks for their play so far, but he noted that Simpson hasn’t gotten as many snaps as Bennett in practice.
“I think they’re doing really well,” McVay said. “I’ve been really pleased with Stetson Bennett through this first block. He’s playing the position at a high level. Ty hasn’t gotten quite as many reps, but he’s really improved a lot from the spring until now. Stetson has been a real positive and as has Ty. Stetson’s just had some more reps, but been really pleased with him and (his) ability to be able to create off-schedule, reading with his feet.”
Matthew Stafford being healthy is a wonderful thing
Stafford took exactly zero snaps in practice during last year’s training camp as he managed a back injury that popped up over the summer. The Rams are still keeping his workload light to ensure his back (or anything else) doesn’t flare up, but it’s great to see him zipping passes in camp again.
He’s looked great from the clips shared on social media, and McVay said on Monday that his QB1 was “pretty damn sharp” in his first practice. The Rams don’t have luxury of a proven veteran like Jimmy Garoppolo to fill in for Stafford, which makes it all the more important that No. 9 is healthy and leading the offense in training camp.
Rams will need Josaiah Stewart this season
Myles Garrett and Byron Young will be the top two edge rushers for Los Angeles but there’s no question the Rams will need others to step up. Among them? Stewart, the second-year pro from Michigan.
He’s likely to get extra reps in practice because like Stafford, the Rams are managing Young’s workload. He’s still dealing with a nagging knee injury that has bothered him “for years,” though he says he’s healthy heading into the season.
If Young’s knee gives him issues and limits his snaps at all, Stewart will be the guy to help fill that void and use his speed to hunt quarterbacks each week.
David Quessenberry is the swing tackle right now
Alaric Jackson missed Wednesday’s practice because he’s still taking medicine for his blood clots. There’s no long-term concern about Jackson’s availability as he manages his condition, but there could be a potential suspension looming over the Rams’ left tackle after his offseason arrest.
Quessenberry was the one called upon to take Jackson’s place at left tackle in practice Wednesday, a clear indication that he’s the team’s swing tackle over Keagen Trost right now. That could change before Week 1, but the Rams like the veteran’s reliability over the rookie, it seems.
Rams’ new cornerbacks are already leaving their mark on defense
Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson are already making a strong impression, both on the field and in the locker room. Quentin Lake has developed a good connection with them as their roommates, revealing that they are bringing some valuable hand signals to the defense to improve the overall communication on that side of the ball.
They’re also making passes tougher to complete with their coverage skills; Watson had a great interception against Davante Adams on Wednesday, hauling it in along the sideline. There should be a noticeable improvement from the secondary with McDuffie and Watson in it this season.
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: 8 takeaways from first 4 practices of Rams training camp
Reporting by Cameron DaSilva, Rams Wire / Rams Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Cameron DaSilva, Rams Wire | USA TODAY Network
