The Los Angeles Rams have spent the offseason bringing in notable names while planning for both the present and future. Trent McDuffie enhances the secondary, and Ty Simpson provides Sean McVay with a long-term quarterback option behind Matthew Stafford. The roster still boasts enough star power to pursue another deep playoff run.
However, seasons are often influenced by quieter contributors. Omar Speights and Jordan Whittington appear to be two Rams sleepers with genuine breakout potential in 2026, and Speights could become an even more significant asset in the middle of the defense, while Whittington might benefit from a clearer role on offense after recent changes at wide receiver.
This depth, however, creates a challenging situation for those at the back end of the roster. The Rams' minicamp scenario differs slightly from that of other teams, as McVay canceled the on-field portion of mandatory minicamp after being pleased with the team’s offseason progress. Players were still required to report for meetings and playbook work, but the next true evaluation on the field will occur at training camp.
This doesn’t lessen the importance of the roster picture, but it sharpens the early depth-chart calculations. Los Angeles is not a rebuilding team trying to fill vacancies, but instead, it is a contender faced with a crowded receiver room, a revamped defense, and a quarterback structure that includes Stafford, Simpson, Stetson, and Bennett. When a roster has such clarity at the top, securing the final few spots becomes more challenging.
The players most at risk are not always those lacking talent at all.
Brennan Presley, WR
Los Angeles Rams assistant coach Mike LaFleur and head coach Sean McVay congratulate wide receiver Brennan Presley (81) after a touchdown during the second half against the Dallas Cowboys at SoFi Stadium.
Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
Brennan Presley embodies the type of player who can make preseason football intriguing. He possesses quickness, a productive college background, and a smaller receiver profile that can create challenges if he finds space. The question is not whether there is potential but whether the Rams have enough room to wait on his development.
Los Angeles has already established its primary receiver structure, with Puka Nacua as the standout, and Davante Adams provides another reliable target for Stafford, as Whittington is poised for a larger role. Meanwhile, Konata Mumpfield and CJ Daniels add younger competition, with Xavier Smith, Tyler Scott, Mario Williams, and Tru Edwards also in the mix. This creates a crowded field for a team that likely cannot keep everyone.
Presley’s path to making the roster hinges on one crucial factor: he must evolve into something more than just another developmental slot option, and this is easier said than done. Receivers fighting for a spot on the roster typically need to excel on special teams, demonstrate return value, or possess a unique trait that sets them apart from the rest of the group.
If a player isn’t going to receive regular offensive snaps, they must give the coaching staff a compelling reason to keep them active on game day; otherwise, the practice squad becomes the more realistic destination.
The Rams signed Presley to a reserve/future deal after he spent time on the practice squad, giving him an opportunity but also framing a significant challenge. He is neither a recently drafted player with fresh organizational investment nor a veteran with an established offensive role, and he is definitely competing in a deep group.
That said, he isn’t out of the race. McVay has always valued receivers who understand spacing, timing, and blocking. A smart, tough wideout can quickly gain trust in this offense, and Presley’s best chance lies in proving he can separate underneath, handle motion assignments, and contribute on special teams. If he can consistently demonstrate these skills, he may complicate the final decision.
His threat to making the team isn’t due to his skill level, but it stems from being overshadowed by too many players with clearer paths to a roster spot.
Elias Neal, LB
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Houston Texans running back Cam Akers (22) breaks the tackle of Los Angeles Rams linebacker Elias Neal (58) in the third quarter at NRG Stadium.
Thomas Shea-Imagn Images
Elias Neal faces a unique challenge, but fundamentally, he grapples with the same issue. Inside linebacker is a position where teams typically know exactly what they need from their depth players, and starters must communicate effectively, fit the run, cover sufficient ground, and remain clean behind the defensive line. Backups are expected to do all of this at a reduced volume while also contributing on special teams. Consequently, there is very little room for a player who is only valuable in theory.
Neal previously spent time on the Rams' practice squad before being re-signed, also on a reserve/future contract, indicating that the organization sees potential in his development, but development does not guarantee security, as the competition for roster spots in the middle of the defense is more fierce than it might initially appear.
Players like Speights are positioned for larger roles, while Nathan Landman and Grant Stuard bring experience to the table. Shaun Dolac is also on the roster, and Nikhai Hill-Green joined as an undrafted rookie. As teams sift through their final linebacker spots, decisions often hinge on special teams reliability and defensive preparedness.
This is where Neal must distinguish himself. The Rams' defense boasts enough premium talent up front to ease the burdens on linebackers, but this does not diminish the importance of the position, because if anything, it raises the standard. Behind a formidable defensive line, linebackers must be decisive, and they cannot hesitate and squander the advantages created by pressure.
For a bubble linebacker like Neal, every snap in the preseason is akin to a résumé.
Neal’s clearest pathway to securing a roster spot lies through special teams. If he demonstrates that he can be one of the Rams' most reliable coverage players, the coaching staff has a straightforward reason to keep him. At the same time, if he appears interchangeable with other depth linebackers, the team's decision becomes much more difficult.
So, Neal doesn’t need to become a starter, as he simply needs to be dependable. This entails executing clean run fits, tackling effectively, maintaining strong communication, and demonstrating visible value on special teams. If he can check those boxes, he may compel the Rams to keep him, and the difference between these outcomes can be minimal.
The depth of the Rams makes the final roster calculations unforgiving. Both Presley and Neal are not without hope at all, and the Rams have retained them because they see potential worth developing. But yes, the pressure is palpable.
The Rams are not in search of feel-good narratives at all, because they want players who can contribute at all parts of the championship. If Presley can become a valuable offensive gadget and return option, he stands a good chance of making the roster, but if Neal can establish himself as a special teams mainstay and a reliable defensive reserve, he can achieve the same. In the end, if both fail to do so, they may find themselves on the wrong side of the cutdown line.
The Los Angeles Rams have spent the offseason bringing in notable names while planning for both the present and future. Trent McDuffie enhances the secondary, and Ty Simpson provides Sean McVay with a long-term quarterback option behind Matthew Stafford. The roster still boasts enough star power to pursue another deep playoff run.