Which Rams players who exceeded expectations in 2025 delivered?
Rams players who exceeded expectations in 2025
What a run for the Rams in 2025. Fans cheered as unexpected stars rose to the occasion. Who could have predicted tight ends, rookie linemen, and bargain linebackers would change games? The excitement felt electric because LA saw breakout moments week after week. Colby Parkinson, Warren McClendon, Nate Landman, Blake Corum, and Tyler Davis all grabbed headlines and hearts. As a result, optimism for 2026 is already building.
This piece celebrates those Rams players who exceeded expectations in 2025 while asking big questions. Will Parkinson cement TE1 status next offseason? Can McClendon keep the right tackle job and protect Matthew Stafford? Moreover, will Corum push for RB1 early in 2026 because of his pass protection and explosiveness? Read on for a fan-leaning, hopeful breakdown that mixes stats with sheer excitement. Therefore, get ready to relive the surprises and to dream about what the Rams might become.
Colby Parkinson: One of the Rams players who exceeded expectations in 2025
Colby Parkinson became a matchup weapon and a fan favorite. He finished with 43 receptions on 56 targets. He also scored 8 touchdowns and tallied 271 yards after the catch. Because he formed clear chemistry with Matthew Stafford, Parkinson projects as TE1 entering the 2026 offseason.
Key stats
- 43 receptions on 56 targets
- 8 touchdowns
- 271 yards after the catch
Parkinson exceeded expectations by turning limited chances into big plays. He won contested catches and stretched defenses. Moreover, his touchdown rate showed he became a reliable red zone threat. It is safe to say that he has a firm grasp on TE1 entering the 2026 offseason.
Warren McClendon: Rams players who exceeded expectations in 2025 at right tackle
Warren McClendon stepped into a starting role in week five after Rob Havenstein suffered an injury. From week 12 through the NFC Championship Game, he secured the right side of the offensive line. He posted an 83.5 overall grade with a 73.9 pass blocking score and an 86.7 run blocking score.
Key stats
- 83.5 overall grade
- 73.9 pass blocking grade
- 86.7 run blocking grade
McClendon exceeded expectations by growing rapidly in the role. He limited pressures and opened lanes for the run. However, LA will need to confirm that McClendon is their future at right tackle. That caution comes because the franchise misread a tackle situation in previous seasons.
Nate Landman: From bargain signing to key playmaker
Nate Landman arrived on a one year, 1.1 million dollar deal. He forced four fumbles in the first half of 2025 and earned a three year, 22 million dollar extension midway through the season. Landman made impact plays and influenced games beyond the stat sheet.
Key stats and impact
- Forced four fumbles in the first half of 2025
- Earned a three year, 22 million dollar extension
Landman exceeded expectations by delivering physicality and turnover production. His play dipped late in the year, but he still surpassed projections. As a result, he became a core piece on defense and a fan favorite for hustle plays.
Blake Corum: A breakout runner and protector
Blake Corum averaged 5.1 yards per carry compared to Kyren Williams at 4.8 yards per carry. He recorded the Rams longest rush of the year at 48 yards. He also earned praise for his pass protection work, which helped keep drives alive.
Key stats
- 5.1 yards per carry
- Longest run of the season at 48 yards
Corum exceeded expectations by showing explosion and consistency. Moreover, his pass blocking gains separated him from a typical rookie profile. It would not surprise me if Corum earned the RB1 role halfway through 2026.
Tyler Davis: High efficiency on limited snaps
Tyler Davis posted a 68.3 PFF grade across 475 defensive snaps. He finished with 17 defensive stops, a tie for 55th among interior defensive linemen. Yet he logged only 298 snaps overall, creating an impressive snaps per stop ratio of 17.5.
Key stats
- 68.3 PFF grade on 475 defensive snaps
- 17 defensive stops
- 298 snaps played overall for a 17.5 snaps per stop ratio
Davis exceeded expectations by producing impact on limited playing time. His efficiency makes him a valuable rotation piece. As a result, the Rams gained a young interior disruptor ready to grow in 2026.
A tight end soars for a contested touchdown while a teammate bursts through a hole. The crowd rises, confetti begins to fall, and the moment captures the energy of Rams players who exceeded expectations in 2025.
| Player | Receptions | Targets | Touchdowns | Yards After Catch (YAC) | PFF Grade | Snaps (noted) | Defensive Stops | Yards Per Carry (YPC) | Longest Rush | Forced Fumbles | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colby Parkinson | 43 | 56 | 8 | 271 | — | — | — | — | — | — | TE1 chemistry with Matthew Stafford; red zone weapon |
| Warren McClendon | — | — | — | — | 83.5 (73.9 pass, 86.7 run) | Stepped in Wk5; locked from Wk12 through NFC Championship | — | — | — | — | Grew into right tackle role; limited pressures and opened run lanes |
| Nate Landman | — | — | — | — | — | Earned 3yr, $22M extension midseason | — | — | — | 4 (first half of 2025) | Forced four fumbles early; signed for $1.1M then extended; hustle and turnover production |
| Blake Corum | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 5.1 | 48 | — | Breakout runner and pass protector; averaged 5.1 yards per carry; longest rush 48 yards |
| Tyler Davis | — | — | — | — | 68.3 | 475 defensive snaps reported; 298 snaps overall | 17 | — | — | — | Efficient interior disruptor; 17 defensive stops; 17.5 snaps per stop ratio |
Impact and future projections for Rams players who exceeded expectations in 2025
The surprise contributions from these breakout stars changed the Rams outlook for 2026. Because depth emerged across offense and defense, Sean McVay will have more options in free agency and the draft. As a result, the front office can prioritize big needs rather than chase immediate stopgaps.
Colby Parkinson looks like a foundational piece at tight end. He posted 43 receptions on 56 targets with eight touchdowns and 271 yards after the catch. “It’s safe to say that he has a firm grasp on TE1 entering the 2026 offseason.” Therefore, the team should plan from a position of strength at tight end and build passing concepts around his red zone prowess.
Warren McClendon gave the Rams a starting answer at right tackle. He earned an 83.5 overall grade, with 73.9 in pass blocking and 86.7 run blocking. However, front office caution remains. “LA will need to confirm that McClendon is their future at right tackle as they were fooled in 2021-2022 when they locked up Joe Noteboom to a three year deal and regretted that signing quickly after.” Still, his growth reduces the need for a costly tackle splash in 2026.
Nate Landman proved value on a cheap deal and earned a three year, $22 million extension. He forced four fumbles early and offered consistent hustle. “Landman’s play did drop off in the second half of the season but he nonetheless exceeded expectations in 2025.” Accordingly, the Rams can lean on built-in, affordable linebacking depth while adjusting scheme usage.
Blake Corum flashed as a between-the-tackles threat and pass protector. He averaged 5.1 yards per carry and hit a 48 yard long. “It would not surprise me if Corum earned the RB1 role halfway through 2026.” Thus, offensive planning should include rotational reps and growth paths for Corum as a primary back.
Tyler Davis supplied efficient interior disruption with 17 defensive stops. “Tyler Davis finished the season with 17 defensive stops which is good for a tie for 55th in the NFL among IDLs. Here’s the deal though with this #Rams young DL. Davis only played 298 snaps. That’s a 17.5 snaps per stop ratio.” Consequently, the front office can pair Davis with veteran depth to maximize snaps and situational impact.
Looking ahead, these players change roster priorities and cap strategy. Fans should feel hopeful because the Rams now have homegrown playmakers ready to lead the next championship push.
Conclusion
Rams players who exceeded expectations in 2025 gave fans real reason to celebrate. Their surprise production changed roster plans and game scripts. Colby Parkinson, Warren McClendon, Nate Landman, Blake Corum, and Tyler Davis each delivered pivotal moments. As a result, the Rams enter 2026 with more internal answers and clearer priorities. Expect Parkinson to anchor the tight end room and Corum to push for RB1. Meanwhile, McClendon and Landman reduce pressure on the front office to chase pricey upgrades. Tyler Davis adds efficient interior disruption off the bench.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Which Rams players who exceeded expectations in 2025 should fans watch in 2026?
Watch Colby Parkinson, Warren McClendon, Nate Landman, Blake Corum, and Tyler Davis. Parkinson projects as TE1 because of chemistry and red zone production. Corum showed explosion and pass protection, so he could push for RB1. McClendon secured the right tackle spot with strong run and pass grades. Landman earned a contract after forcing turnovers. Davis produced efficient interior disruption on limited snaps.
How did Colby Parkinson exceed expectations?
He finished with 43 receptions on 56 targets and eight touchdowns. He added 271 yards after the catch. As a result, Parkinson became a reliable red zone target and a TE1 candidate for 2026.
Is Warren McClendon the long term right tackle?
McClendon posted an 83.5 overall grade with 73.9 in pass blocking and 86.7 in run blocking. However, the team should still confirm him over time because past tackle signings misfired. Still, his late season stretch gave fans real confidence.
What earned Nate Landman and Tyler Davis trust from the team?
Landman forced four fumbles early and earned a three year, $22 million extension. He showed hustle and turnover creation. Davis earned a 68.3 PFF grade and 17 defensive stops. Notably, he logged 298 snaps for a 17.5 snaps per stop ratio.
Could Blake Corum be the Rams RB1 in 2026?
Corum averaged 5.1 yards per carry and recorded a 48 yard long. He improved in pass protection, which matters in McVay’s system. Therefore, Corum is on the RB1 radar and could claim the role next season.