As the Rams devised their offseason strategy, they did so with a rather limited offensive roster.
Their focus was on boosting depth in the offensive line, acquiring wide receivers, and getting a clearer picture of their long-term quarterback situation.
On the offensive line, they brought back reserve tackle David Quessenberry, who can swing between positions, and drafted Keigen Trost from Missouri in the 2026 NFL Draft.
They also selected Miami wide receiver CJ Daniels in the sixth round, aiming for him to step in as a third receiver to complement Puka Nacua and Davante Adams.
Crucially, they used the No. 13 pick to draft Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson. The plan seems to be for Matthew Stafford to stay healthy, ideally sticking around for another two seasons so that Simpson can develop and step in by 2028.
In the meantime, Simpson has secured the backup quarterback position, ready to take the reins once Stafford retires.
This is an overview of the Rams’ offensive depth chart and draft after free agency.
quarterback
starter: Matthew Stafford
reserves: Ty Simpson, Stetson Bennett
notes: Stafford just wrapped up an MVP season but has been dealing with some lingering back issues, thanks to the Rams’ training staff. The main question now is how much longer he wants to play.
The Rams eased some of this uncertainty with the draft pick of Simpson, whom they see as a future starting quarterback. Whether he takes over for one or two years post-Stafford, they intend to invest time in his development for a smooth transition.
in conclusion: Stafford is excellent. If he can stay healthy, the Rams are in good shape. However, with veteran Jimmy Garoppolo still uncertain about his future, it’ll be interesting to see who emerges as the primary backup from either Bennett or Simpson. They might even need to look for another seasoned veteran to fill that role.
Garoppolo has been a great safety net, not just as a potential starter if Stafford were out, but also as a high-level performer in practices and training camp when Stafford needed rest. That kind of preparation benefits both the offense and defense.
running back
starter: Kyren Williams
reserves: Blake Collum, Ronnie Rivers, Harquez Hunter, Jordan Waters
notes: Last season, the Rams ranked top seven in both rushing yards (2,152) and yards per carry (4.6). This success reflects well on Williams, who rushed for 1,252 yards, and Collum, who contributed 746 yards. That’s a formidable duo. It’s tough to see any decline from them.
in conclusion: If Williams and Collum can maintain their health, the Rams’ running back situation looks solid, with Hunter and Rivers adding depth and special teams prowess.
wide receiver
starters: Puka Nacua, Davante Adams
reserves: Jordan Whittington, Mario Williams, Tyler Scott, CJ Daniels, Brennan Pressley, Konata Mampfield, Xavier Smith, True Edwards
notes: Nacua had a standout season with a league-leading 129 catches for 1,715 yards, but he faced some off-field challenges that led him to seek rehabilitation. However, his participation in the offseason program is a good sign, suggesting he’s working through his issues. If he can stay on track, he could be a top-three receiver and near a lucrative contract extension.
The Rams considered moving on from Adams, but after reviewing the tape, they decided he still brings significant value. They hope to improve on his 60 catches and 789 yards from last season—even as they welcome the 14 touchdowns he scored.
There isn’t much depth behind Nacua and Adams, with Whittington and Smith combining for merely 36 catches. Rookie Daniels, a sixth-round pick, could have a shot at the third receiver role.
in conclusion: It feels a bit shaky behind Nacua and Adams, but Whittington, Smith, and Daniels have opportunities to prove their worth during OTAs. Still, it wouldn’t be surprising if the Rams sought a veteran addition to bolster the roster.
starters: Colby Parkinson, Tyler Higbee
reserves: Terrence Ferguson, Davis Allen, Max Clare, Mark Redman, Rohan Jones, Dan Villari
notes: Last year, the Rams utilized three tight ends about 30.5% of the time, the highest rate in the NFL. This formation, crafted out of necessity for short yardage situations, became central to their offense. With Parkinson, Ferguson, and Higbee continuing in primary roles, they aim to maximize this approach. The selection of Clare in the second round raised some eyebrows given his position, but with Higbee and Parkinson’s contracts ending, considering the long-term view makes sense.
in conclusion: The Rams appear well off at tight end, with Allen and Clare providing strong backup options.
offensive line
starters: LT Alaric Jackson, RT Warren McClendon Jr., RG Kevin Dotson, LG Steve Avila, C Coleman Shelton
reserves: David Quessenberry, Keigen Trost, AJ Arcuri, Bryce Henderson, Justin Dedic, Wyatt Bowles, Dylan McMahon, Beau Rimmer, Austin Blaske, Chad Lindberg, Bryce Henderson
notes: Last year’s injuries to veteran Rob Havenstein pushed the Rams to look closely at McClendon Jr., who has since shown he can be a reliable starter. With Havenstein’s retirement, McClendon Jr. will step in, boasting experience after starting 10 games last season. This helps him avoid a steep learning curve, keeping the bulk of their starting offensive line intact.
However, Jackson remains the only starter locked in past 2026, creating a precarious situation moving forward.
McClendon Jr., Avila, Dotson, and Coleman are all candidates for extensions, but the Rams face tough salary cap choices and likely can’t keep all four. The addition of Trost, who can play both tackle and guard, may provide the flexibility needed for their future financial decisions concerning the offensive line.
in conclusion: The Rams have ample time to determine who stays and who goes after this season. For 2026, they seem to be in a good position along the offensive line, especially if Trost proves to be a solid pick.
