Which Rams return men win 53-man spots?
Rams return men were at the center of a pivotal NFC Championship moment. Xavier Smith lost a punt deep in Rams territory. That turnover swung momentum and highlighted how special teams can decide playoff outcomes.
In this 53 man roster preview we examine undrafted free agents and bubble players. We track roster battles that will shape Los Angeles special teams. We pay special attention to return specialists and third phase contributors.
Our analysis blends data and film study, with metrics and snap counts informing conclusions. Therefore we weigh per return averages, muffed plays, and special teams snaps. We spotlight Xavier Smith, Ronnie Rivers, Jordan Whittington, Brennan Presley, and CJ Daniels. Ultimately we will judge who wins return duties and who remains on the roster bubble.
Because the Rams added veterans such as Grant Stuard and Joe Cardona, coverage and snapping will matter more. However, the return game still needs clear answers after the season’s mixed results. This preview will offer data driven projections and realistic grades for each candidate.
Rams return men performance overview
The Rams return men produced mixed results last season. Pro Football Focus data shows Jordan Whittington had 24 kick returns for 589 yards, a 24.5 yard average, while Ronnie Rivers posted 22 returns for 569 yards, a 25.9 yard average. Blake Corum totaled 14 returns for 326 yards (23.3 average), and Xavier Smith finished with 13 returns for 301 yards (23.2 average). On punts, Smith handled 30 returns for 249 yards, an 8.3 yard average. All data is from Pro Football Focus at Pro Football Focus and highlights modest production in both kick return and punt return phases.
Rams return men: key mistakes and turnover risk
One of the lasting memories from the NFC Championship was Xavier Smith’s lost fumble deep in his own territory. This costly turnover swung momentum and illustrates why ball security matters. Smith also recorded two muffed punt returns during the season. Therefore his profile combines occasional big plays with clear risk. As the article notes, “One of the lasting memories from the NFC Championship on the side of the Los Angeles Rams is punt returner Xavier Smith’s lost fumble deep in his own territory.”
Return specialist strengths and the larger context
Rivers was the most effective kick returner per return, though he still ranked tied 30th in kick return average. As a result, even the best Rams return options did not move the needle league wide. Kick returners tend to be bulkier and able to break tackles, while punt returners need quickness and change of direction. Therefore roster decisions hinge on fit and consistency.
Because the Rams added veteran special teamers, questions remain about the return game. Will undrafted free agents or rookies supplant incumbents? Explore competition and roster battles in our piece on undrafted free agents: Rams Undrafted Free Agents and read about rookie impact here: Rams 2026 Rookie Impact. For deeper historical return stats, consult NFL returns data at NFL Returns Data.
In sum, the data and film suggest caution. After free agency and the draft, it is fair to ask: is Xavier Smith still the leading return specialist, or do CJ Daniels and Brennan Presley offer more upside? As PFF data shows, the Rams face an uphill task to improve the return game in 2026.
| Player | Kick returns (No-Yds-Avg-Long) | Punt returns (No-Yds-Avg-Long) | Total yards | Avg yards per return | Longest return | Errors |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Xavier Smith | 13 – 301 – 23.2 – 32 | 30 – 249 – 8.3 – N/A | 550 | 12.8 | 32 | 2 muffed punts; NFC Championship fumble |
| Ronnie Rivers | 22 – 569 – 25.9 – 46 | 0 – 0 – N/A – N/A | 569 | 25.9 | 46 | None recorded |
| Jordan Whittington | 24 – 589 – 24.5 – 38 | 0 – 0 – N/A – N/A | 589 | 24.5 | 38 | None recorded |
| Blake Corum | 14 – 326 – 23.3 – 30 | 0 – 0 – N/A – N/A | 326 | 23.3 | 30 | None recorded |
| Kyren Williams | 0 – 0 – N/A – N/A | 1 – 8 – 8.0 – N/A | 8 | 8.0 | 8 | None recorded |
Data source: Pro Football Focus
Rams return men: offseason additions and new contenders
The Rams added specialists this offseason, but those moves may not change the return landscape. Grant Stuard signed with Los Angeles after nearly 1,700 special teams snaps in his five year career. Therefore he brings experience in coverage and tackling, not return duties. Stuard should improve the third phase in alignment and free safety on kick coverage, but he is unlikely to be a primary return specialist.
Joe Cardona arrived to stabilize long snapping for field goals and punts. Because accurate snaps matter for protection and return timing, Cardona’s presence reduces one source of special teams variance. However Cardona does not affect who fields kicks or punts.
On the candidate list for returns, CJ Daniels presents a compact, contact friendly runner who can break tackles. Brennan Presley offers college tape with a long return touchdown, which suggests upside and playmaking ability. Yet there is insufficient evidence to conclude Presley has more upside than Xavier Smith. As noted earlier, “After free agency and the draft, is Smith still the leading return specialist?”
Projecting impact, Stuard and Cardona will change coverage and execution. However the return game still depends on pure return talent and ball security. If Ronnie Rivers truly is the Rams’ best return man, that is not good enough, because league context shows limited improvement. For snap and return metrics, see Pro Football Focus data.
In short, offseason moves improved special teams structure, but the Rams return men battle remains wide open and uncertain.
In short, Rams return men remain an unsettled part of the roster. Despite targeted offseason moves, the team still lacks a clear, reliable return specialist.
Xavier Smith showed playmaking ability, yet his muffed punts and the NFC Championship fumble underscore ball security concerns. PFF metrics back a cautious read on kick return and punt return production. Therefore reasonable doubt persists about whether the unit improved enough to change game outcomes.
Grant Stuard and Joe Cardona should stabilize coverage and snapping. However, they do not directly solve return upside or consistency. Meanwhile, CJ Daniels and Brennan Presley provide intriguing alternatives, but film and data do not yet prove they surpass existing options.
Ultimately, the evaluation stays analytical and cautious. Stay tuned for ongoing roster updates and camp reports as competition unfolds. For continued coverage from this outlet, visit Rams News LLC and follow our updates on Twitter/X at @ZachGatsby.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the current outlook for the Rams return men?
The outlook remains cautious. Pro Football Focus metrics show modest kick return and punt return production. Xavier Smith offers playmaking, yet he also produced two muffed punts and a playoff fumble. Ronnie Rivers and Jordan Whittington provided better per return averages, but league context limits optimism. Therefore expect questions to persist into camp.
Will offseason moves fix the return game?
Not by themselves. Grant Stuard and Joe Cardona improve coverage and snapping. However they do not directly add elite return talent. CJ Daniels and Brennan Presley add competition and upside, but film and data have not proven they exceed incumbents. As a result, structural gains may not equal big return gains.
Who are the leading candidates for return specialist duties?
Xavier Smith, Ronnie Rivers, Jordan Whittington, and Blake Corum remain primary candidates. CJ Daniels and Brennan Presley will test their cases. Kyren Williams could see occasional duties. Ultimately coaches will value ball security and consistent decision making.
How much did Xavier Smith’s NFC Championship fumble matter?
It mattered a lot because it swung momentum late in the game. One of the lasting memories is that lost fumble deep in Rams territory. Therefore ball security ranks high on the coaches’ checklist this offseason.
What should fans watch during camp and preseason?
Watch ball security, fair catch decisions, and route reads on kickoff returns. Also watch blocking execution and snap timing. In short, special teams drills and preseason return reps will decide roster edges.