{"id":911741,"date":"2026-06-06T18:15:15","date_gmt":"2026-06-06T18:15:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/911741\/"},"modified":"2026-06-06T18:15:15","modified_gmt":"2026-06-06T18:15:15","slug":"who-will-sean-mcvay-name-to-the-rams-opening-roster","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/911741\/","title":{"rendered":"Who will Sean McVay name to the Rams opening roster?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1upudxki _174s0un1 _174s0un0 _1mt21p01\">With Los Angeles Rams OTAs winding down to next week\u2019s finale, a mandatory three-day mini camp, L.A. is officially in pursuit of Super Bowl LXI. This season\u2019s extravaganza will be held on the Rams home field, SoFi Stadium, February 14, 2027.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1upudxki _174s0un1 _174s0un0 _1mt21p01\">Having just come up short in the past two seasons, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.turfshowtimes.com\/los-angeles-rams-news\/141301\/rams-dodgers-comparison-myles-garrett-trade\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Rams continue pursuit,<\/a> making off season moves to solidify weak areas of the roster and hopefully, get them over the top. OTAs are mostly about scheme change installations, getting the the team acclimated to new teammates, and preaching the \u201cRams way\u201d. Still it\u2019s not too early to project who will be the Rams opening 53 players. There may be a lot of time left until final cut downs, but the depth of the roster only leaves a handful of open spots.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1upudxki _174s0un1 _174s0un0 _1mt21p01\">Here\u2019s how I would fill them and some of my preseason thoughts. Opening roster in bold.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1upudxki _174s0un1 _174s0un0 _1mt21p01\">Starter: Matthew Stafford<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1upudxki _174s0un1 _174s0un0 _1mt21p01\">Primary backups: Ty Simpson, Stetson Bennett<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1upudxki _174s0un1 _174s0un0 _1mt21p01\">Cut\/practice squad: Matthew Caldwell<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1upudxki _174s0un1 _174s0un0 _1mt21p01\">The only question at QB is who would come off the bench if Stafford is injured. If the absence is a longer term, let Simpson loose to sink or swim. In a short term, there is an argument to be made for Bennett, he has shown incremental year-to-year improvement during preseason games and in theory, should have a good grasp of the offensive principles in Year 3.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1upudxki _174s0un1 _174s0un0 _1mt21p01\">Primary backups: Blake Corum, Jarquez Hunter<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1upudxki _174s0un1 _174s0un0 _1mt21p01\">Roster bubble: Ronnie Rivers<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1upudxki _174s0un1 _174s0un0 _1mt21p01\">Cut\/practice squad: Jordan Waters, Dean Conners<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1upudxki _174s0un1 _174s0un0 _1mt21p01\">Luxury problems here. The Rams could likely get away with rostering three backs and keep two on the practice squad. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.turfshowtimes.com\/general\/140857\/kyren-williams-is-still-too-underrated\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">KWill has three straight seasons <\/a>of 1100+ yard rushing and double-digit touchdowns with a catch rate at 75 percent, yet, Corum showed explosive qualities last year and deserves more work. A single offensive rep would be an uptick for Hunter, who remains stalled behind L.A.\u2019s talented tandem. The bottom three of the unit would all likely clear waivers and be eligible for the practice squad, Rivers is a known quantity for his adequate all-around play, Conners gives of the same vibes, but is quicker, and Waters offers a big body for short yardage.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1upudxki _174s0un1 _174s0un0 _1mt21p01\">Starters: Puka Nacua, Davante Adams<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1upudxki _174s0un1 _174s0un0 _1mt21p01\">Primary backups: Jordan Whittington, CJ Daniels, Konata Mumpfield, Xavier Smith<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1upudxki _174s0un1 _174s0un0 _1mt21p01\">Roster battle\/bubble: Tyler Scott, Harold Presley<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1upudxki _174s0un1 _174s0un0 _1mt21p01\">Cut\/practice squad: Mario Williams, Tru Edwards<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1upudxki _174s0un1 _174s0un0 _1mt21p01\">If both L.A.\u2019s stars, Nacua and Adams can stay healthy, the lack of depth at WR#3 will be mostly negated. But doubts will linger, if one or both get nicked up and misses extended action. Whittington gets a real chance to prove he can handle the Rams role that he played in college, the quiet guy who does tough-guy work underneath and around the line of scrimmage. Mumpfield and Daniels are similar athletically, adequate. Daniels appears to be stronger at the catch point, while Mumpfield should be improved over his rookie season. Smith holds the sixth and final roster spot, if only because the Rams did not invest in a viable replacement as punt returner. Presley and Scott could challenge him for the \u201clittle guy\u201d spot by proving they can return kicks. Williams and Edwards are long shots, but both had their moments in last year\u2019s preseason.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1upudxki _174s0un1 _174s0un0 _1mt21p01\">Starters: Colby Parkinson, Terrance Ferguson<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1upudxki _174s0un1 _174s0un0 _1mt21p01\">Primary backups: Tyler Higbee, Davis Allen, Max Klare<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1upudxki _174s0un1 _174s0un0 _1mt21p01\">Roster bubble: Dan Villari<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1upudxki _174s0un1 _174s0un0 _1mt21p01\">Cut\/practice squad: Rohan Jones, Mark Redman<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1upudxki _174s0un1 _174s0un0 _1mt21p01\">The Rams have the depth here to make up for the lack at WR#3. All of the condensed sets, stacked receivers, and motion create a scenario where three wide receiver and two tight end formations could be considered interchangeable. The vets, Parkinson, Higbee, and Allen all have a solid grasp on the offense and good hands to boot, they combine for a shade under 70 percent catch rate. Ferguson should have a bigger taste of the offense in Year 2, he\u2019s shown the juice to get deep, now needs to show it with the ball in his hands on shorter routes. Klare shares those same traits. Villari is interesting because of his athletic skills, but has to climb over too many bodies. Redman spent last year on the practice squad and the best blocker, while Jones will really have to put his athleticism to work on special teams to have a possible chance<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1upudxki _174s0un1 _174s0un0 _1mt21p01\">Starters: Alaric Jackson, Steve Avila, Coleman Shelton, Kevin Dotson, Warren McClendon<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1upudxki _174s0un1 _174s0un0 _1mt21p01\">Primary backups: Keegan Trost, Justin Dedich, Beaux Limmer, David Quessenberry<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1upudxki _174s0un1 _174s0un0 _1mt21p01\">Roster battle\/bubble: Wyatt Bowles<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1upudxki _174s0un1 _174s0un0 _1mt21p01\">Cut\/practice squad: AJ Arcuri, Dylan McMahon, Austin Blaaske, Bryce Henderson, Chad Lindberg<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1upudxki _174s0un1 _174s0un0 _1mt21p01\">Shrewd moves have taken the disaster of 2022 and turned it into a team strength. Fans need to enjoy what may be the final ride with this group. Four of five starters, Dotson, Avila, Shelton, and McClendon are in the final season of their contracts. L.A. doesn\u2019t have the depth to simply plug in another starting-tier body. Trost had very good college film and can play both inside and out, he could\/should provide some relief. I think it\u2019s fair to say that Dedich, Limmer, and Quessenberry are best suited to back up work. Bowles had a good preseason last year at guard and center, his second-year play deserves to be looked at for a possible step up. Arcuri enter his fifth year in L.A., but has been mainly a practice squad player. McMahon hasn\u2019t broken through either. Of the three undrafted, Blaaske and Henderson are long shots, while Lindberg is already on the Injured Reserve List.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1upudxki _174s0un1 _174s0un0 _1mt21p01\">Starters: Ethan Evans, Harrison Meevis, Joe Cardona<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1upudxki _174s0un1 _174s0un0 _1mt21p01\">Obviously, he L.A. braintrust is comfortable with the specialists, deciding not to bring in OTA competition. While Evans won\u2019t be mentioned with the leagues best, he goes a good job of dropping punts inside the opponents 20 yard line. Meevis settled down the kicking game last year and is hopefully ready to settle in for a long term. The Rams made Cardona the highest-paid long snapper in the NFL, the Navy Lieutenant Commander brings leadership, 11 years of experience, and two Super Bowl rings.-=<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1upudxki _174s0un1 _174s0un0 _1mt21p01\">Starters: Kobie Turner, Poona Ford, Braden Fiske<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1upudxki _174s0un1 _174s0un0 _1mt21p01\">Primary backup: Tyler Davis<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1upudxki _174s0un1 _174s0un0 _1mt21p01\">Roster battle\/bubble: Ty Hamilton, Larrell Murchison, Tim Keenan<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1upudxki _174s0un1 _174s0un0 _1mt21p01\">Cut\/practice squad: Bill Norton, Jaxson Moi, Payton Zdroik<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1upudxki _174s0un1 _174s0un0 _1mt21p01\">Under Sean McVay, the number of interior players on the opening roster has never been less than six. The Rams have a solid rotation of four in Turner, Ford, Fiske, and Davis. DT #5 last year was Hamilton and he had his share of growing pains. Murchison is a safe choice as depth, he\u2019s got veteran savvy and works tirelessly. Keenan and Norton will have to show that they are not limited to nose tackle, the Rams insist that their interior players have the versatility for multiple alignments. They don\u2019t use a \u201cset\u201d nose tackle like they did in early iterations of the defense. Zdroik and Moi have a long road ahead.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1upudxki _174s0un1 _174s0un0 _1mt21p01\">Starters: Myles Garrett, Byron Young<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1upudxki _174s0un1 _174s0un0 _1mt21p01\">Primary backups: Josaiah Stewart, Desjuan Johnson<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1upudxki _174s0un1 _174s0un0 _1mt21p01\">Roster bubble:: Keir Thomas<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1upudxki _174s0un1 _174s0un0 _1mt21p01\">Cut\/practice squad: Wesley Bailey, Darryl Peterson, Eddie Walls<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1upudxki _174s0un1 _174s0un0 _1mt21p01\">It will be interesting to see how the Rams deploy Garrett, in Cleveland he played a very high percentage (80+) of snaps on the right flank, well outside the opposing tackle (9T), and with a hand in the dirt. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.turfshowtimes.com\/los-angeles-rams-analysis\/141280\/opportunity-abounds-for-byron-young-after-the-myles-garrett-trade\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Interestingly, Young lined up almost exclusively <\/a>on the left side last season and led NFL edge defenders dropping into coverage. Stewart and Johnson seemed well-equipped to fit as primary backups. Stewart as the moveable piece and Johnson as the bigger, power guy. Thomas won\u2019t be battling edges for a roster spot, more likely one of the defnsive interior players. Bailey and Peterson to the practice squad, while Walls recently suffered a leg injury in OTAs that required an air cast.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1upudxki _174s0un1 _174s0un0 _1mt21p01\">Starters: Nate Landman, Omar Speights<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1upudxki _174s0un1 _174s0un0 _1mt21p01\">Primary backups: Sean Dolac, Grant Stuard<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1upudxki _174s0un1 _174s0un0 _1mt21p01\">Roster battle\/bubble: Nikhai Green-Hill, Elias Neal<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1upudxki _174s0un1 _174s0un0 _1mt21p01\">The Rams didn\u2019t do much to improve the pass coverage capability of this unit over the off season. For better or worse, Landman and Speights appear to be locked in as starters. L.A. did add Stuard, but he\u2019s been a special teams warrior, rather than defensive stopper. Over his five seasons, he\u2019s chalked up over 50 defensive reps one time. Although Dolac did well on special teams as a rookie, he didn\u2019t mount a real starting challenge and is coming off a late-season knee injury. While I like Green-Hill\u2019s college game film, he\u2019ll really have to show out in camp. He and Neal are battling not only within the unit, but with all the other bottom of the roster special teams candidates.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1upudxki _174s0un1 _174s0un0 _1mt21p01\">Starters: Quentin Lake, Kamren Curl<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1upudxki _174s0un1 _174s0un0 _1mt21p01\">Primary backups: Kamren Kinchens, Jaylen McCollough<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1upudxki _174s0un1 _174s0un0 _1mt21p01\">Roster battle\/bubble: Nick Anderson<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1upudxki _174s0un1 _174s0un0 _1mt21p01\">Cut\/practice squad: Tanner Ingle, Nate Valcarcel<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1upudxki _174s0un1 _174s0un0 _1mt21p01\">Since the group returns intact, one must assume that the Rams braintrust laid the bulk of last year\u2019s pass coverage woes on the corners. Lake and Curl were signed to extensions through 2028 and both Kinchens and McCollough have two years left on their rookie deals. So barring catastrophe, there won\u2019t be much change at safety for awhile. It\u2019s not the most athletic unit, but very high in football IQ. In OTA presser\u2019s, Sean McVay has been praising the versatility of all his defensive backs. Anderson fits into the Rams mold and is good tackler for special teams work. Tanner has been around awhile without breaking through. Valcarcel is a change of pace, a natural free safety.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1upudxki _174s0un1 _174s0un0 _1mt21p01\">Primary: OJ McDuffie, Jaylen Watson, Emmanuel Forbes<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1upudxki _174s0un1 _174s0un0 _1mt21p01\">Roster battle\/bubble: Josh Wallace, Al\u2019zillion Hamilton, Cam Lampkin, Nyzier Fourqurean<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1upudxki _174s0un1 _174s0un0 _1mt21p01\">Cut\/practice squad: Alex Johnson, Drey Norwood<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1upudxki _174s0un1 _174s0un0 _1mt21p01\">However they are used, McDuffie and Watson promise to be upgrades over last season. Hopefully Forbes grasps the gravity of his precarious situation, a good season (even as a backup) gets him another payday, a bad one throws him into the league minimum, depth piece pool. With the lack of experience behind the Top 3, Wallace may have a better lane to the roster as CB#4 rather than S\/CB hybrid. The remainder of the unit, Lampkin, Hamilton, Fourqurean, Johnson, and Norwood are all from the undrafted ranks. Hamilton strikes me as best of the lot on college film. Fourqurean might be better suited as a safety.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1upudxki _174s0un1 _174s0un0 _1mt21p01\">Les Snead and Sean McVay answered all the questions about the roster weak points left over from last season. Fans may not agree with all the answers, but the Rams braintrust did an outstanding job of upgrading the roster just the same. They trimmed out some dead wood and have a nice balance of youth and veterans.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1upudxki _174s0un1 _174s0un0 _1mt21p01\">Cornerback should go from a weakness to a plus. A swing tackle\/guard with upside was added to the mix. Special teams, at least from a coverage standpoint, has received support. A high-end pass rusher with a closer\u2019s mentality uplifts the whole defense. Linebacker improvement didn\u2019t make strides, particularly in coverage, but the added depth could help out the rotation and keep them all fresh over a long season. And finally, wide receiver depth is answered, L.A. wants multiple tight ends to be a focal point of the offense.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1upudxki _174s0un1 _174s0un0 _1mt21p01\">It\u2019s a tough roster to make in 2026, with all the starters returning on offense. Myles Garrett is in for Jared Verse on the edge, and only the cornerbacks do not return. The primary backups are all back as well. This projection doesn\u2019t have many big swings or hot takes, it leans towards special teams acumen for the bottom of the roster players.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1upudxki _174s0un1 _174s0un0 _1mt21p01\">Do you have a different point of view? Tell the forum about it.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"With Los Angeles Rams OTAs winding down to next week\u2019s finale, a mandatory three-day mini camp, L.A. is&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":911742,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":"","_share_on_mastodon":"0"},"categories":[2079],"tags":[7,1014,58,5088,5089,2444,2611,6,424],"class_list":["post-911741","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-los-angeles-rams","tag-football","tag-los-angeles","tag-los-angeles-rams","tag-los-angeles-rams-depth-chart","tag-los-angeles-rams-roster","tag-losangeles","tag-losangelesrams","tag-nfl","tag-rams"],"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"https:\/\/channels.im\/@nfl\/116704531145387004","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/911741","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=911741"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/911741\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/911742"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=911741"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=911741"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=911741"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}