As the Rams plotted their offseason game plan, they did so with just minimal offensive roster needs.
The focus was on building depth along the offensive line, adding a wide receiver and clarifying their long-term quarterback picture.
Along that offensive line, they re-signed reserve tackle David Quessenberry, who projects as their swing tackle, and added Keagen Trost of Missouri in the 2026 NFL Draft.
They also used the draft to add Miami wide receiver CJ Daniels in the sixth round. He will get a chance to win a job as the third wide receiver alongside Puka Nacua and Davante Adams.
Most importantly, they used the 13th pick to select Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson. Ideally, Matthew Stafford stays healthy and remains on board for the next two seasons, and Simpson doesn’t see the field until 2028.
In the interim, he solidifies the backup quarterback job, and long term, he is ready to take over when Stafford retires.
Here is a look at the Rams’ offensive depth chart post-free agency and the draft:
Quarterback
Starter: Matthew Stafford
Reserves: Ty Simpson, Stetson Bennett
The skinny: Stafford is coming off an MVP season and, thanks to the Rams’ training staff, is successfully managing his nagging back issues. The only real question now is how long he wants to keep playing.
The Rams alleviated some of that uncertainty by drafting Simpson, who they believe can be a quarterback they can win with down the line. Whether he serves as Stafford’s understudy for one year or two, they will pour development time into him in hopes of seamlessly handing him the reins when Stafford calls it a career.
Bottom line: Stafford is as good as it gets. As long as he stays healthy, the Rams are in great shape. But with veteran Jimmy Garoppolo still deciding his future, it will be interesting to see who steps up between Bennett and Simpson as the primary backup. And whether the Rams need to bring in a more established veteran to play that role.
Garoppolo provided a safety net on so many levels: not only holding down the fort as Stafford’s potential in-game replacement but also by supplying a high level of play in training camp and practice when Stafford took days or reps off. Not only to help prepare the offense but also the defense.
Running back
Starter: Kyren Williams
Reserves: Blake Corum, Ronnie Rivers, Jarquez Hunter, Jordan Waters
The skinny: The Rams finished in the top seven in rushing yards (2,152) and yards per carry (4.6) last year, a tribute not only to Williams, who had 1,252 yards, but also Corum, who added 746 yards. That is as powerful a one-two punch as there is in the NFL. And there is no reason to think there will be any falloff.
Bottom line: If Williams and Corum stay healthy, the Rams are in great shape at running back, with Hunter and Rivers providing depth and special teams ability.
Wide receiver
Starters: Puka Nacua, Davante Adams
Reserves: Jordan Whittington, Mario Williams, Tyler Scott, CJ Daniels, Brennan Presley, Konata Mumpfield, Xavier Smith, Tru Edwards
The skinny: Nacua is coming off a season in which he posted 1,715 yards on a league-leading 129 catches. But multiple off-field incidents resulted in him checking himself into rehab. He’s been a constant participant in the club’s offseason program, a hopeful sign that the off-field issues are behind him. If so, he’s a top-three wide receiver in the game and in line for a huge contract extension.
The Rams contemplated moving on from Adams, but the more they reviewed the tape, the more they realized he still has a lot to offer. They are determined to do a better job getting more than the 60 catches and 789 yards. Although they will gladly take the 14 touchdowns he scored last season.
There isn’t much track record behind Nacua and Adams, as Whittington and Smith combined for only 36 catches. Daniels, the rookie sixth-round pick from Miami, will get a chance to earn a role as the No. 3 receiver.
Bottom line: It feels light behind Nacua and Adams, although Smith, Whittington and Daniels will get a chance during OTAs to show they can be counted on. Still, it would not be surprising if the Rams brought in a veteran reinforcement at this position.
Tight end
Starters: Colby Parkinson, Tyler Higbee
Reserves: Terrance Ferguson, Davis Allen, Max Klare, Mark Redman, Rohan Jones, Dan Villari
The skinny: The Rams lined up with three tight ends — or 13 personnel — 30.5% of the time last year, by far the NFL’s highest rate. A personnel grouping born out of necessity to capitalize on short-yardage situations became a staple of their attack. And they are determined to tap into it just as much this year, with Parkinson, Ferguson and Higbee again serving as the primary trio.
The Rams added Klare in the second round of the draft, which raised some eyebrows given how stacked they are at tight end. But with Higbee and Parkinson playing on expiring contracts, it makes sense from a long-range perspective.
Bottom line: The Rams are more than equipped at tight end, with Allen and Klare on hand to provide solid depth.
Offensive line
Starters: LT Alaric Jackson, RT Warren McClendon Jr., RG Kevin Dotson, LG Steve Avila, C Coleman Shelton
Reserves: David Quessenberry, Keagen Trost, AJ Arcuri, Bryce Henderson, Justin Dedich, Wyatt Bowles, Dylan McMahon, Beaux Limmer, Austin Blaske, Chad Lindberg, Bryce Henderson
The skinny: Last year’s injury to veteran Rob Havenstein gave the Rams a long look at McClendon Jr. at right tackle, and he more than proved he was capable of providing sufficient play as a starter. With Havenstein now retired, McClendon Jr.’s 10 starts last year mean he takes over with ample experience.
That alleviates any learning curve he may have experienced and means the Rams essentially return their entire starting offensive line.
It gets dicey in a hurry moving forward, with only Jackson under contract after 2026 among the Rams’ starting five.
McClendon Jr., Avila, Dotson and Coleman are all candidates for contract extensions, but the Rams face some difficult salary cap decisions and likely can’t keep all four. They drafted Trost in the third round. His ability to play tackle or guard gives them some flexibility in how they allocate money along their offensive line after next season.
Bottom line: The Rams have plenty of time to sort out who stays and who goes after this season. As far as 2026 goes, they are good to go along the offensive line, especially if Trost is the real deal.
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: nypost.com
