How 4 forgotten-about Rams could step up in 2026?

4 forgotten-about Rams who could step up into huge roles in 2026 lead this piece, and fans should cheer. Jarquez Hunter, Ty Hamilton, Terrance Ferguson, and Shaun Dolac flashed in 2025, and as rookies they learned the system. However, their upside promises bigger snaps and starter chances next season. In this deep dive, we break down why each could become a 2026 starter, because:

• Jarquez Hunter can translate special teams speed into offensive snaps with his blend of power and quickness.
• Ty Hamilton offers versatile coverage skills after 138 defensive snaps and a proven ability to hit the quarterback.
• Terrance Ferguson showed big play potential with 231 yards and three touchdowns while seeing meaningful offensive snaps.
• Shaun Dolac returns healthy after dominating special teams with 25 tackles and zero missed tackles, so therefore he could leverage elite coverage into a core defensive role.

As a result, we project their upside to eclipse 2025 production and to reshape the Rams depth chart while providing fantasy value and renewed roster hope for Los Angeles fans.

4 forgotten-about Rams who could step up into huge roles in 2026: Jarquez Hunter and Ty Hamilton

Jarquez Hunter and Ty Hamilton represent two different but complementary paths to larger roles. Hunter arrived in 2025 and mostly played on special teams. He logged just 22 special teams snaps and did not touch the ball on offense. However, his tape shows the power and burst that could translate to goal line and rotational carry work in 2026.

• 2025 snapshot for Jarquez Hunter

  • 22 special teams snaps only
  • No offensive snaps in regular season
  • Shows contact balance and short-area burst on college tape

Because Hunter learned the system in year one, he can move up quickly. As one scout said, “He learned LA’s offense in 2025. He will master it in 2026.” Therefore expect coaching trust to grow in short-yardage situations.

• How Hunter could impact 2026

  • Earn red zone and early-down rotation snaps
  • Provide physicality behind the starter
  • Offer fantasy upside in touchdown-heavy scoring weeks

Ty Hamilton made a different impression. He played 138 defensive snaps as a rookie. He compiled 11 tackles and recorded one quarterback hit. That baseline matters. It proves he can handle NFL speed and alignments.

• 2025 snapshot for Ty Hamilton

  • 138 defensive snaps
  • 11 tackles and one quarterback hit
  • Played subpackages and showed coverage versatility

However, Hamilton’s role can expand beyond spot duty. Because he already handled rotational reps, he can move into more early-down snaps or nickel duties. As a result, the Rams gain depth in a unit still adjusting after veteran departures. For context on the Rams defense and scheme continuity, see the official team site at the Rams official site.

• How Hamilton could impact 2026

  • Step into larger nickel or rotational roles
  • Provide reliable tackling and occasional pass rush
  • Reduce load on veteran run stoppers

4 forgotten-about Rams who could step up into huge roles in 2026: Terrance Ferguson and Shaun Dolac

Terrance Ferguson flashed as a receiving threat in 2025. He caught 11 of 25 targets for 231 yards and three touchdowns. His catch rate sat at 44 percent, and he started three games. Ferguson played about 40 percent of offensive snaps in those looks.

• 2025 snapshot for Terrance Ferguson

  • 11 receptions on 25 targets for 231 yards and three touchdowns
  • 44 percent catch rate
  • Started three games and saw roughly 40 percent of snaps

Because Tyler Higbee returned on a modest contract, Ferguson can step into the second tight end role. As noted, “Ferguson is expected to step up in 2026, aided by the return of Tyler Higbee on a modest contract.” Therefore expect more two tight end sets and target share growth.

• How Ferguson could impact 2026

  • Become a consistent Y or move tight end in mismatch sets
  • Increase red zone targets and touchdown opportunities
  • Offer boom weeks for fantasy managers seeking tight end value

Shaun Dolac’s path runs through special teams and steady tackling. He played 42 total snaps in 2025 and recorded 25 tackles on special teams. Remarkably, he did not miss a tackle. He suffered a late injury that kept him out of postseason play, but he is healthy for 2026.

• 2025 snapshot for Shaun Dolac

  • 42 snaps and 25 special teams tackles
  • Zero missed tackles on those plays
  • Injured late in the season and missed postseason action

“He is back and healthy for 2026, and could leverage his outstanding special teams coverage into a starting role this season.” As a result, Dolac can parlay elite coverage into defensive snaps if needed. For league-wide stat context and deeper metrics, consult Pro Football Reference or general NFL news at NFL.com.

• How Dolac could impact 2026

  • Win a core special teams role and expand into defense
  • Offer elite tackling consistency on kick and punt units
  • Provide dependable depth if injuries strike the defensive line

Collectively these four players show clear upward trajectories. Now those rookies return as season veterans. Is it unreasonably optimistic to expect more from them? No. In fact, that was the plan all along.

How the 4 forgotten-about Rams who could step up into huge roles in 2026 fit the roster

These four rookies align neatly with the Rams’ broader roster construction. Les Snead and the front office prioritized developmental talent, so immediate stardom was never the primary goal. Instead, the plan emphasized teaching, patience, and gradual role expansion during year one.

Coaching continuity makes second-year jumps more likely. The staff emphasized ramping players slowly in 2025 and focused on fundamentals, which increases the chance of tangible growth in 2026. Veterans such as Aaron Donald supply mentorship and professional standards, helping young players adopt pro routines quickly.

Quick takeaways for 2026 roster impact

• Development over splash signings preserves cap flexibility and creates internal options at multiple positions
• Young contributors provide immediate special teams value and credible depth in case of injuries

Because Tyler Higbee returns on a reasonable deal, the offense can use more two tight end sets while giving players defined roles. Together, these factors point toward realistic role expansion and measurable contributions for 2026 rather than vague promise.

The case for 4 forgotten-about Rams who could step up into huge roles in 2026 feels real and attainable. Fans should remain optimistic because each player showed flashes in 2025 that translate into defined roles. Jarquez Hunter, Ty Hamilton, Terrance Ferguson, and Shaun Dolac now have the experience and coaching attention to push for starter snaps.

“Now those rookies return as season veterans. Is it unreasonably optimistic to expect more from them? No.” As a result, the Rams can lean on internal growth rather than costly free agent bets. Moreover, the return of Tyler Higbee and mentorship from veterans like Aaron Donald give younger players clearer paths. Therefore expect more two tight end sets, stronger special teams, and deeper defensive rotations.

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In short, these four players could reshape depth charts and fantasy rosters in 2026. Follow their progress, stay hopeful, and enjoy watching potential breakouts unfold.

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