Will the Rams offseason special teams overhaul work?
Rams offseason special teams overhaul: Why it matters and where to start
The Rams offseason special teams overhaul must be a top priority this spring. Los Angeles finished with a 26th ranked special teams DVOA, and that stat explains the urgency. That poor ranking cost the team field position and late game swings. It showed in close playoff moments, and fans, coaches and front office staff all saw the gaps on coverage units and the kicking game.
This piece outlines clear priorities and personnel moves. First, we examine coordinator hires and schematic fixes, because coaching sets the tone for discipline and detail. Next, we evaluate the kicker room and late game kicking options, including the case for competitive depth. Then, we review punt and kickoff units, return men, long snappers and Day three draft targets that can provide immediate value.
Finally, we offer a short plan for cap mindful signings and measurable goals for 2026. As a result, readers will see how specific moves can raise special teams DVOA and swing a handful of games. Ultimately, the goal is simple: make special teams a strength instead of a liability.
Rams offseason special teams overhaul: coaching hires set the tone
Bubba Ventrone arrives as special teams coordinator with an immediate mandate. He must fix discipline and positional fundamentals because the unit ranked 26th in special teams DVOA. Kyle Hoke joins as his assistant, and together they should prioritize lane integrity and tackling. However, coaching changes alone will not erase schematic holes. They set standards, and players must execute consistently to lift the unit.
Special teams DVOA and the Harrison Mevis evaluation
Harrison Mevis will be an exclusive rights free agent, so the Rams must decide whether to keep him. Mevis went 12-for-13 in the regular season and 6-for-6 in the playoffs. Yet he operated almost entirely inside 45 yards, and he missed a 48-yard attempt in Week 16 versus the Seahawks. The club should add competition because opposing kickers made three 55-plus yard kicks against Los Angeles in the same span. Therefore bringing at least one undrafted free agent kicker makes sense. Meanwhile, seven unrestricted free agents provide veteran alternatives, from Daniel Carlson to Matt Prater.
Long snapper switch to Jake McQuaide and veteran depth
Los Angeles replaced Alex Ward with Jake McQuaide, who is 38 and experienced. McQuaide has moved teams frequently since 2023, and he may add coaching value as much as snaps. As a result, the Rams gain steadiness and mentorship for younger specialists. Still, they must monitor consistency in practice and preseason games, because long snapping errors can swing field position quickly.
| Kicker | 2025 accuracy and distance notes | Notable achievements or traits | Fit vs Rams offseason special teams overhaul |
|---|---|---|---|
| Harrison Mevis (ERFA) | 12-for-13 regular season; 6-for-6 playoffs; 3-for-4 from 45+; two 50+ makes; missed 48-yard vs SEA | Clutch playoff kicking and youth; limited work beyond 45 yards | Baseline option; must face competition because of limited long-range sample |
| Daniel Carlson (UFA) | Proven long-range kicker and high-volume accuracy in recent seasons | Multiple seasons as one of the NFLs most reliable scorers | Veteran upgrade if the Rams pay for leg and consistency |
| Matt Prater (UFA) | Elite long-range history; has made multiple 60+ yard kicks in career | Veteran with deep-leg track record | Fits need for 50-plus field goals and kickoff distance |
| Nick Folk (UFA) | Consistent midrange accuracy and game management | Years of steady field goal production | Low-risk veteran presence for inside-45 reliability |
| Joey Slye (UFA) | Strong leg, occasional accuracy swings | Good kickoff distance with streaky field goal splits | High-upside veteran competition spot |
| Zane Gonzalez (UFA) | Experienced, capable from long range in spurts | Has converted long field goals under pressure | Depth option to push Mevis in camp |
| Riley Patterson (UFA) | Younger veteran with strong leg | Emerging reliability and kickoff range | Cost-effective competition for starting job |
| Eddie Pineiro (UFA) | Familiar with the NFL kicking circuit | Solid college resume and some NFL snaps | Possible camp arm to evaluate consistency |
| Dominic Zvada (Draft prospect) | Top college prospect with strong leg and accuracy upside | Projected early day-three or late-round pick | Draft target to add controlled competition and development |
| Trey Smack (Draft prospect) | 5-for-6 from 50+ last season; 81.8% on long attempts | Proven deep range at college level | High-upside rookie candidate for 50+ duty |
| Kansei Matsuzawa (Draft prospect) | 96.2% FG in sample; 37-for-37 on extra points; 1-for-1 from 50+ | Exceptional accuracy in limited role | Quiet candidate to outkick veterans in camp |
| Will Ferrin / Drew Stevens (Draft prospects) | Draftable specialists with college leg strength and accuracy | Day three candidates with developmental upside | Low-cost projects for competition in training camp |
| Undrafted free agents (recommended) | Variable accuracy; often high upside on leg distance | Cheap competition, high reward if a gem appears | At least one UDFA should be brought in to push Mevis and veterans |
Note: this table focuses on traits and risk-reward. Therefore the Rams can pair a veteran leg with a low-cost rookie. That approach balances stability and upside during the Rams offseason special teams overhaul.
Rams offseason special teams overhaul: punt and kickoff units
The Rams punt unit showed flashes and flaws this season. Ethan Evans ranked 23rd in yards per attempt and 28th in net yards, and he placed 22 percent of punts downed inside the 20. However, his hang time of 4.42 seconds (12th) kept opponents honest. For example, a Week 11 punt helped save the Rams against the Seahawks. Yet in Week 16 a punt was returned for a touchdown, and the unit allowed a blocked punt in the divisional round. As a result, consistency must improve on coverage lanes and timing.
Kickoff performance also produced concerning signals because roughly 75 percent of kickoffs were returned. Jordan Whittington’s longest kickoff return was only 38 yards, which showed limited explosive flip potential. Therefore the Rams should replace Ronnie Rivers on kickoff duties and prioritize touchback rate or directional kicking. The coaching hires should coordinate kickoff strategy with coverage personnel, and those schemes need testing in camp. Fans can read broader roster context for 2026 here: broader roster context for 2026.
Return game depth remains thin and risky. Xavier Smith is an ERFA likely to return, yet he muffed two punts in a bad outing and recorded five fair catches. Conversely, college prospects such as Kaden Wetjen returned three punts for touchdowns in 2025 and led the nation in punt return yards. Therefore adding a proven returner or drafting a return specialist should be a priority. The Rams maturation piece explains how special teams ties into roster building: Rams maturation piece.
Recommendations are straightforward and measurable. First, increase punts downed inside the 20 by 10 percentage points through directional kicking and wedge discipline. Second, reduce kickoff return rate by driving touchbacks and hang time. Third, add Day 3 or undrafted special teams talent to compete in training camp. For related offseason context, see: related offseason context.
The Rams offseason special teams overhaul is essential to fix hidden losses and flip field position.
Bubba Ventrone and Kyle Hoke must turn discipline and detail into reliable results.
Meanwhile, competition at kicker and depth on return units will define late game outcomes.
Therefore, the Rams should keep Harrison Mevis under competitive pressure, sign or audition a veteran long leg, add at least one undrafted kicking prospect, and inject roster spots with Day three special teams players while improving punt coverage lanes, kickoff hang time, and returner explosiveness to raise special teams DVOA before 2026; additionally, they must monitor preseason metrics closely as coaches evaluate roster choices during camp and preseason games, and expect measurable improvement in special teams metrics by midseason while fans follow progress at ramsnews.com and by following @ZachGatsby on Twitter/X for updates and deeper analysis.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the biggest special teams personnel changes for the Rams?
The Rams hired Bubba Ventrone as special teams coordinator and Kyle Hoke as his assistant. They replaced long snapper Alex Ward with veteran Jake McQuaide. Harrison Mevis remains an exclusive rights free agent and a baseline kicker option. Meanwhile, the front office plans to add kickers and return candidates to create competition.
Is Harrison Mevis likely to keep the kicking job?
Mevis has shown promise, going 12-for-13 in the regular season and 6-for-6 in the playoffs. However, he saw most work inside 45 yards. Therefore the team should add competition. The Rams should bring at least one undrafted free agent kicker and consider veteran UFA options to push him in camp.
How did the punt and kickoff units perform last year?
The punt unit had mixed results. Ethan Evans ranked 23rd in yards per attempt and 28th in net yards. He downed 22 percent of punts inside the 20. Yet the Rams allowed a punt returned for a touchdown and a blocked punt in the postseason. Kickoffs were returned about 75 percent of the time, so the team must improve touchback and directional kicking.
What will Ventrone and Hoke prioritize?
They will emphasize lane integrity, tackling fundamentals, and disciplined wedge play. As a result, the staff should reduce big returns and improve punts downed inside the 20.
What measurable impact can fans expect in 2026?
Expect clearer goals. First, raise punts downed inside the 20 by roughly 10 percentage points. Second, lower kickoff return rates via touchbacks and hang time. Finally, add roster competition and Day three special teams picks to boost depth and special teams DVOA.