Will Rams 2025 draft class breakout occur in 2026?

Nobody expected the Rams 2025 draft class to look this small and sharp, but it arrived with outsized intrigue. As the smallest haul in the Sean McVay era, this group forced quicker opportunities for rookies. Because the roster carried just six picks last spring, and then five after cuts, roles tightened. However, that scarcity also sharpened evaluation and accelerated playing time for certain players.

This piece grades the class, reviews snap counts, and highlights candidates ready to break out in 2026. Look for receivers and edge defenders who flashed late and should enter year two with momentum. Ferguson, Mumpfield, and Stewart offer different paths to bigger roles, because coach usage changed after Week 7.

Meanwhile, young special teamers and backups like Ronnie Rivers must fight for snaps and roster spots. This analysis balances stats, usage, and coaching comments to forecast which rookies may finally pop. Therefore, whether you value analytics or eye test scouting, the Rams 2025 draft class deserves a fresh look.

Rams 2025 draft class: Contributions and Challenges

The 2025 rookies did more than fill roster spots. They revealed roles, depth, and clear developmental paths. Because the class was small, each player’s snaps mattered more. Therefore, coaches had to accelerate evaluation and minutes. This section breaks down who produced and who faced hurdles.

Ferguson and Mumpfield: offensive sparks

Ferguson provided a real late-season burst. After Week 7 he caught 10 of his 11 receptions, gained 210 of his 231 receiving yards, and scored all three receiving touchdowns. He matched a season-high in targets in Weeks 16 and 17. However, a hamstring injury cost him Week 18 and the wild-card game. Still, his Weeks 14 through 17 playing time was the highest of his rookie year, which hints at a larger role if healthy.

Mumpfield grew into a consistent slot option. After Week 7 he played at least 37.5 percent of offensive snaps in nearly every game. Because of that stability, nine of his 10 regular-season catches came in the second half of the year for 85 yards and a touchdown. He also added three postseason receptions for 22 yards, showing trust in key moments.

Defense, special teams, and depth roles

Stewart earned praise from the staff and steady defensive snaps. Defensive coordinator Chris Shula called him an “every down outside linebacker” who can defend the run and the pass. His snap share rose to 49.1 percent in the regular-season finale, and he played at least 31.7 percent of defensive snaps in 11 of 17 games.

Hunter struggled to stay active. He was inactive for 12 regular-season games and appeared primarily on special teams in five regular-season contests and the wild-card game.

Ronnie Rivers served as the third running back and the team’s personal protector. Coach McVay noted it would be hard to keep four running backs active, which limited Rivers’ offensive snaps but kept him important on short-term depth and pass protection packages.

Snap counts and quick stat summary

• Ferguson: 11 receptions, 231 receiving yards total, 10 receptions and 210 yards after Week 7, 3 receiving touchdowns all after Week 7
• Mumpfield: at least 37.5 percent offensive snaps after Week 7, 10 regular-season catches with 9 after Week 7 for 85 yards and 1 TD, plus 3 postseason catches for 22 yards
• Stewart: defensive snap peak 49.1 percent, at least 31.7 percent in 11 of 17 games
• Hunter: inactive 12 games, limited to special teams in five regular-season games and the wild-card
• Ronnie Rivers: third running back and primary personal protector on game day

Overall, the small Rams 2025 draft class offered concentrated value. Because playing time came faster, the coaching staff accelerated development. Therefore, Ferguson, Mumpfield, and Stewart stand out as candidates to take bigger roles in 2026 if health and scheme align.

Rams 2025 draft class — playing time snapshot

This table compares snap usage and key stats for each rookie. It gives a quick look at production and limits. Because the class was small, each figure mattered more.

Notes on injuries and role clarity

Because Ferguson and Mumpfield earned more snaps after Week 7, coaches tested them in live action. However, Ferguson’s hamstring disrupted momentum and availability. Meanwhile, Stewart showed dependable two way chops and steady snap counts. Hunter must earn more availability to get defensive reps. Therefore, Rivers and other depth pieces will hinge on role clarity and roster decisions going into 2026.

Breakout candidates from the Rams 2025 draft class

The small class size accelerated development and exposed clear paths to playing time. Therefore, several rookies enter 2026 with momentum. This section projects who can break out and why.

Ferguson looks like the most obvious candidate to explode. After Week 7 he totaled 10 of his 11 catches, 210 of 231 receiving yards, and all three touchdowns. Because his snap share rose in Weeks 14 through 17, coaches clearly trusted him in live action. However, a hamstring injury stalled his late surge and cost him the wild-card game. If Ferguson enters 2026 healthy and keeps earning targets, he could move from situational role to consistent playmaker. For roster context and target competition, see this offseason primer: Los Angeles Rams Offseason Primer.

Mumpfield projects as a steady slot receiver with upside. He played at least 37.5 percent of offensive snaps after Week 7 and caught nine of his 10 regular-season passes in that stretch. Because he also produced in the postseason, he has earned trust on key downs. If the Rams keep using 13 personnel, Mumpfield could receive more routes and red-zone looks.

Stewart provides defensive upside. Defensive coordinator Chris Shula labeled him an “every down outside linebacker.” He reached a 49.1 percent snap peak and logged at least 31.7 percent of defensive snaps in 11 games. Therefore, Stewart can grow into a larger role as an edge presence who defends both run and pass. For more on how the defense might shift, check this piece on the Rams’ 2026 draft needs: Rams 2026 NFL Draft Needs.

Hunter and Ronnie Rivers face steeper climbs. Hunter missed many active lists and saw special teams work only. Rivers served primarily as the third back and personal protector. As a result, both must carve roles in camp and on special teams to force more snaps. For a deeper look at why the 2025 rookies underperformed at times, read this evaluation: LA Rams 2025 Rookie Class Evaluation.

In short, Ferguson and Mumpfield present the clearest breakout paths. Stewart may follow if defensive reps increase. Meanwhile, availability and roster math will dictate the rest. Therefore, health and scheme changes will decide which rookies take the next step in 2026.

The Rams 2025 draft class delivered concentrated value despite its small size. Because the group included just six picks, each rookie earned meaningful opportunity. Ferguson and Mumpfield flashed after Week 7, and Stewart showed steady defensive snaps. Therefore, the class balanced immediate contributions with clear developmental upside.

However, challenges remain. Ferguson’s hamstring interrupted momentum, and Hunter missed many active lists. Meanwhile, Ronnie Rivers served mainly as a depth protector. Still, those issues are fixable with health, special teams work, and clearer roles from coaching.

Looking ahead, Ferguson and Mumpfield present the most realistic breakout paths. Stewart could follow if defensive reps expand. If health holds and scheme fits, this small class can produce high second‑year returns. Therefore, the 2026 season will reveal whether these rookies become regular contributors or depth options.

For continued coverage and deeper Rams analysis, follow Rams News LLC at Rams News LLC and on Twitter/X at Zach Gatsby. Stay tuned for roster updates, training camp reports, and preseason previews as the Rams prepare for 2026.

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