The Los Angeles Rams released their first depth chart of the preseason prior to their game against the Dallas Cowboys on Saturday. While a depth chart at this point in the offseason doesn’t mean a lot and teams aren’t giving anything away, it’s still worth noting. Let’s take a look at the Rams first depth chart of the 2025 season.

1. Coleman Shelton Starting at Center

It shouldn’t be too much of a surprise at this point, but it appears that Coleman Shelton will be the team’s starting center. Despite Beaux Limmer starting for the Rams for a majority of last season, the Rams signed Shelton in the offseason. While Shelton may not have the ceiling that Limmer has, he raises the floor and provides some veteran familiarity at the position. It doesn’t seem like there was much of a competition at this spot over the summer.

A few other things of note on the interior is that KT Leveston is listed behind Dylan McMahon. Leveston is going into year two after being drafted by the Rams last season. After spending much of his rookie season injured, Leveston may be on the outside looking in when it comes to the final-53. Willie Lampkin is also the third string center behind Limmer.

2. DJ Humphries Backing Up Alaric Jackson at LT

The Rams seem to be waiting it out with Alaric Jackson at left tackle to see how he progresses before Week 1. It wouldn’t be a surprise to see him end up in the PUP list, but for now he is the starting left tackle. Behind him is where things become notable.

As it stands, DJ Humphries is the backup left tackle to Jackson, meaning he would likely be the starter in Week 1 if Jackson is unable to play. The Rams signed Humphries prior to training camp to give them some experienced depth behind Jackson along with David Quessenberry. Humphries appears to be ahead of Quessenberry in the rotation and the favorite for that spot.

3. Rams Have Depth at Tight End

With Tyler Higbee, Colby Parkinson, Davis Allen, and Terrance Ferguson, the Rams are a very solid four deep at the tight end position. Higbee will be the leader of the group, but each of the other three bring something a little different to the offense. Parkinson is a solid blocker while Allen is a receiving threat down the seam. Terrance Ferguson also brings a unique receiving ability.

Given the depth of this group, it’s hard to see the Rams and Sean McVay not utilize the tight end position more than in years past. It will come down to how much Terrance Ferguson can grasp the offense and the rookie is currently dealing with an injured groin.

1. Omar Speights-Nate Landman Starting at LB

With how training camp has gone, the favorites for the starting linebacker spot seemed to be Omar Speights and Nate Landman. Landman was signed by the Rams as a free agent and has been one of the standouts in training camp. The Rams coaching staff has been impressed with Landman and his experience. He will likely go into the year as the leader of the group.

There has been a lot of excitement when it comes to players like Chris Paul Jr. and Shaun Dolac. With that said, those are two players that will still need to prove themselves to the coaching staff. Paul has been dealing with some injuries while Dolac has had some positive moments. Still, Landman and Speights look set as the starting pair in Week 1.

2. Rams Unproven at EDGE Rusher

Looking at the Rams depth chart at the edge rusher position and it may initially appear to be thin. However, this isn’t a thin group, but rather unproven. Jared Verse and Byron Young are a very solid duo. It’s fair to say that the Rams are thin at the edge rusher spot, but it’s simply unproven talent.

The Rams have Nick Hampton who will be going into year three and was drafted in the fifth round. Hampton was drafted in the fifth round and should be expected to contribute as a rotational speed rusher. While Josaiah Stewart is a rookie, he seems to be someone that the Rams like and was taken in the third round. Stewart should also be expected to contribute this season in the rotation. Lastly, Brennan Jackson was taken in the fifth-round last season and is in year two. If Hampton and Stewart can have an impact, this will be one of the deeper pass rush rotations in the NFL. However, they will need to prove it.

3. All Rookies Bottom of the Depth Chart

There will be some that panic because Terrance Ferguson, Chris Paul Jr. Jarquez Hunter, etc. are all at or near the bottom of the depth chart. With that said, this is how teams typically handle rookies on the initial depth charts. If teams didn’t have to put out a depth chart at this point in the season, they wouldn’t. In 2023, Puka Nacua was listed behind Tutu Atwell and went on to break rookie receiving records.

The preseason depth chart has become something that fans are told to care about, but in reality, it doesn’t really matter. There are certainly some small takeaways, but there also shouldn’t be any overreactions, especially when it comes to rookies.

1. Xavier Smith Over Britain Covey at Punt Returner

The Rams signed Britain Covey prior to training camp to compete as a punt returner. However, as it stands, it looks as if Xavier Smith will be the starter. That could also be an indication on who the sixth wide receiver is in the case that the Rams opt to keep that many. Smith had some positive moments last year returning punts and if he can develop as a receiver, it will be hard to surpass him.