As the Rams wrap up this week’s OTA’s and training camp 6-7 weeks away, I would like to dive into the Rams’ position groups. The Rams enter the 2025 NFL season as a legitimate Super Bowl contender, building on their 2024 NFC West title and playoff success. With additions via the 2025 draft, free agency, and key re-signings, the roster is robust. Below, I will rate each position group, incorporating changes such as the addition of Poona Ford, linebackers Nate Landman, Chris “Pooh” Paul Jr., running back Jarquez Hunter, and tight end Terrance Ferguson.
Quarterback: A
Key Players: Matthew Stafford (Starter), Jimmy Garoppolo (Backup), Stetson Bennett (Third-String)
Matthew Stafford remains elite, leading the Rams to a 10-7 record, the NFC West crown, a playoff win over the Vikings and nearly taking down the Eagles in the NFC divisional round. Despite early challenges and a slow start to 2024, Stafford showed he is still among the NFL’s elite QBs, finishing strong in 2024 after the Rams were able to overcome injuries to the offensive line. His precision and chemistry with Puka Nacua were stellar in 2024 and the addition of Davante Adams, the re-signing of Atwell, and the potential impact of rookie TE Terrance Ferguson should allow Stafford to pick up right where he left off in 2024. The decision to re-sign Jimmy Garoppolo was a prudent move, adding reliability with 74 career starts (52-22 record) to the QB group. Stetson Bennett, third-string, offers developmental potential, although I believe this is the year the Rams decide to move on from Bennett. This group earns an A.
Running Back: A-
Key Players: Kyren Williams, Jarquez Hunter, Blake Corum, Ronnie Rivers, Jordan Waters (UDFA)
Kyren Williams dominated as the lead back in 2024, excelling in McVay’s scheme, with a long-term extension reportedly imminent. Jarquez Hunter, a 2025 draft pick from Auburn (4,814 college yards, 37 touchdowns), adds explosiveness and receiving skills, projecting as a dynamic complement. Blake Corum, a 2024 rookie, showed promise, and Ronnie Rivers provides depth. It will be interesting to see the potential of UDFA Jordan Waters during training camp. With Williams and Hunter’s game-breaking ability and the offensive line’s strength push this group is pushed to A-.
UDFA Jordan Waters Busts a Long Run
What the #Rams have been lacking. A big back that can take it to the house. pic.twitter.com/UaMAGFL0Y9
— The Rams Forum: LA’s Playbook for Passionate Fans (@RamsFansForum) May 18, 2025
Wide Receiver: A
Key Players: Davante Adams, Puka Nacua, Tutu Atwell, Jordan Whittington
The receiving corps is elite, strengthened by Tutu Atwell’s one-year, $10 million deal for 2025. Puka Nacua’s physicality and route-running, paired with Davante Adams’ veteran production, form a premier duo. The loss of Cooper Kupp should be offset by the Rams signing Adams, the decision to retain Atwell, and the continued development of Whittington.
Atwell (39 catches, 416 yards in 2024) solidifies the No. 3 role with speed and big-play ability. Jordan Whittington, a 2024 sixth-rounder (18 catches, 201 yards in limited snaps), adds reliable hands and reports from the Rams’ OTAs indicate is has grown a primary option, possibly stepping over Atwell as the Rams’ #2 option. Atwell’s retention offsets Demarcus Robinson’s departure to the 49ers, earning an A. The Rams also added Konata Mumpfield in the 2025 NFL draft, who some have called a ‘route-running craftsman’.
Konata Mumpfield is a pretty versatile, productive late-round WR for the Rams. Dane Brugler calls him a “route-running craftsman”. Three consecutive 500-plus seasons at Pitt, and gets open for his QB
Konata Mumpfield is a pretty versatile, productive late-round WR for the Rams. Dane Brugler calls him a "route-running craftsman". Three consecutive 500-plus seasons at Pitt, and gets open for his QB.
— Jourdan Rodrigue (@JourdanRodrigue) April 26, 2025
Tight End: C+
Key Players: Tyler Higbee, Terrance Ferguson, Colby Parkinson, Davis Allen
The tight end group, with the departure of Hunter Long, is led by Tyler Higbee and bolstered by Terrance Ferguson, a 2025 draft pick from Oregon. Higbee, post-knee injury, contributed two late-2024 touchdowns but faces durability concerns. Ferguson (1,266 college yards, 14 touchdowns, 6’7”) brings red-zone potential and reliable hands, projecting as Higbee’s eventual replacement at No. 2. Colby Parkinson and Davis Allen disappointed in 2024 (one touchdown combined in 14 weeks), with Allen remaining as depth or a practice squad candidate. Ferguson’s upside lifts the grade to C+, and the addition of Ferguson could lift this group as the season unfolds.
x113 (2024 Bowers +1) pic.twitter.com/a8iTQYtx9M
— J.B. Long (@JB_Long) May 28, 2025
Offensive Line: A-
Key Players: Alaric Jackson, Rob Havenstein, Kevin Dotson, Steve Avila,Coleman Shelton, Beaux Limmer
The offensive line is a strength. Alaric Jackson’s breakout 2024 (25 pressures, four QB hits) and Kevin Dotson’s elite guard play anchor the unit. Rob Havenstein’s consistency and Steve Avila’s versatility add stability. Early 2024 injuries tested depth, but late-season cohesion drove a 9-3 post-bye run. Declining to resign Noteboom and trading Johah Jackson were wise moves. The overall health of the offensive line will always be a concern, especially now that we have learned Rob Havenstein had two procedures on his shoulder during this offseason and has been held out of OTA’s. Beaux Limmer adds some depth on the interior with his ability to play center and both guard spots. The Rams also added Willie Lampkin, Wyatt Bowles, Trey Wedig, and Ben Dooley as UDFA developmental players. Additionally, on May 29th, the Rams signed veteran swing tackle David Quessenberry, Rating A-
Defensive Line: A+
Key Players: Jared Verse, Byron Young, Kobie Turner, Braden Fiske, Poona Ford
The defensive line, fortified by Poona Ford’s three-year, $27.6 million deal, is elite. Ford’s 2024 with the Chargers (39 tackles, three sacks, 9.2% pass-rush win rate) adds run-stopping and pass-rush ability, ranking No. 15 on PFF’s top-32 interior defenders. He pairs with Kobie Turner (No. 17, eight sacks) and Braden Fiske. Jared Verse 77 pressures (Defensive Rookie of the Year) and Byron Young (44 pressures) dominate the edge. This disruptive unit earns an A+.
Linebacker: C+
Key Players: Omar Speights, Nate Landman, Chris “Pooh” Paul Jr., Troy Reeder
The linebacker group, bolstered by Nate Landman and Chris “Pooh” Paul Jr., should be much improved. Landman, signed for one year, brings 192 career tackles and scheme familiarity. Paul Jr., a 2025 fifth-rounder from Ole Miss, adds speed and coverage (88 tackles, 11 for loss in 2024). Omar Speights was solid in 2024, and UDFA Shawn Dolac may be a surprise. The decision to bring Troy Reeder back into the Ramily was a bit of a surprise. The lack of an elite linebacker keeps this at C+.
Secondary: C
Key Players: Quentin Lake, Kamren Curl, Cobie Durant, Kamren Kinchens, Ahkello Witherspoon
The perception of many people is the Rams secondary is the glaring weak link of the defense. I don’t really see it that way. The Rams safeties are pretty good. Overall, the secondary improved in 2024 but lacks consistency. Quentin Lake and Kamren Curl form a strong safety duo, with Curl’s physicality shining. Cobie Durant and Ahkello Witherspoon were serviceable, and Derion Kendrick, coming off an ACL injury, doesn’t bring me a great deal of comfort. Reports from OTAs have indicated former first round pick Emmanuel Forbes has been a bright spot. The unit ranked mid-tier, and Jalen Ramsey reunion rumors persist. Rating: C
Special Teams: B
Key Players: Joshua Karty (K), Ethan Evans (P)
Rookie kicker Joshua Karty was reliable, and punter Ethan Evans controlled field position. The return game lacked explosiveness and the Rams signed Britain Covey with the antipation he can add some pop to the return game. Special teams were steady, and a dynamic returner could improve this unit. I will be curious to see if Xavier Smith can beat out Covey as the Rams primary return option.
Overall Outlook
The Rams’ roster is among the NFL’s best, with an elite defensive line, strong running backs, and a bolstered receiving corps, the Rams are poised for another NFC West crown and potentially making a deep playoff run
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