How Rams three players deserve another chance?

Rams three players deserve another chance — Depth chart debates and the 2026 draft squeeze

Rams three players deserve another chance, and that claim matters more than it sounds. Fans and front offices debate roster bubbles every offseason. However, this piece argues veterans with shaky job security still merit opportunities.

The depth chart conversation touches Jarquez Hunter, Ty Hamilton, and Xavier Smith. Each showed flashes in 2025 but failed to lock a stable role. For example, Hunter never saw a snap despite being a promising Auburn rookie. Meanwhile, Smith remains the offense’s swift deep threat despite occasional miscues.

The 2026 rookie draft class is small, which changes roster calculus. As a result, teams may cling to veterans rather than invest in uncertain rookies. However, that scarcity can create a false sense of security. Therefore, the Rams must resist easy judgments about depth players.

This article unpacks why trusting depth players requires blind faith sometimes. It then explains why these three players deserve one more chance. Finally, we examine how a thin 2026 draft magnifies every roster decision.

Why Rams three players deserve another chance: Hunter, Hamilton, Smith

Trusting depth players requires blind faith sometimes. However, these three deserve that trust. Parting ways is like throwing the baby out with the bathwater. Therefore, we examine why Jarquez Hunter, Ty Hamilton, and Xavier Smith merit more chances.

Jarquez Hunter — patient runner with upside

Hunter sits patiently on the bench awaiting his opportunity to run to daylight. In 2025 he never enjoyed a single snap or touch of the football, which makes evaluation difficult. However, his Auburn tape shows vision and contact balance, and those traits translate in limited pro looks. Because the 2026 rookie draft class is small, the Rams may default to veteran depth instead of developing Hunter. Therefore, giving him reps in preseason and early-down packages makes sense.

So, who warrants these mulligans? Hunter is one of them. It’s hard to imagine a team moving on from a second-year player who never enjoyed a single snap or touch. As a result, the coaching staff should press to find snaps for him in camp.

Ty Hamilton — versatile interior defender who needs opportunities

The expectation for Ty Hamilton to slide into a backup role at nose tackle to support Poona Ford was poorly designed from its conception. Hamilton had limited usage in 2025, and the defense struggled at times. However, Hamilton showed flashes of pass rush and interior agility in college. He is a versatile defensive force who is better equipped to follow in the footsteps of Kobie Turner. Therefore, the Rams should experiment with rotation packages and situational snaps to unlock his potential.

Giving Hamilton a clear pathway matters. Coaches must avoid assuming the small 2026 draft fixes depth problems. For roster context, see this article which details the team outlook. Meanwhile, watching Hamilton closely in camp will reveal his readiness.

Xavier Smith — more than a fumbled return, a true deep threat

Xavier Smith is more than a disgraced NFL punt returner. He produced 303 yards on 18-of-24 receptions in 2025 and showed consistent deep speed. However, he made a notable mistake with a fumbled punt in the NFC Championship Game. That error amplified criticism, but the tape still shows a sole-source, swift, deep threat in this offense at the moment. Because the Rams felt comfortable not bringing back Tutu Atwell, Smith likely played a bigger role than many realize.

He needs targeted targets and schematic complements. But he has to be afforded those opportunities to come through for LA. For context on offensive development and quarterback fit, see this article and this piece which explore passing game scenarios. Finally, trusting Smith will mean designing catchable deep shots and situational returns.

These three players deserve another chance. They’ve survived the worst part of their NFL careers and can still grow. Therefore, the Rams must balance draft scarcity with deliberate development. For broader statistical context, visit Pro Football Reference and ESPN to track snaps and preseason usage.

The strategic importance of trusting depth players

Trusting depth players is a strategic lever for any team chasing playoff relevance. Because the 2026 draft is shallow, developing internal talent grows more valuable. Investing in depth multiplies roster flexibility and reduces midseason panic. As a result, teams gain both insurance and upside.

When coaches give reps, players improve under real-game speed. “Trusting depth players to step up requires an investment of blind faith sometimes,” and that faith can pay off. For instance, a third-down conversion, a sudden-scene sack, or a long touchdown can flip a game. Therefore, depth often determines playoff outcomes.

Depth also shapes scheme and matchups. If Jarquez Hunter can spell carries, the offense gains fresh running and varied looks. If Ty Hamilton rotates into interior snaps, the defense gains quickness and pass rush. Similarly, Xavier Smith’s deep speed stretches coverage and opens underneath lanes. In short, each role creates cascading benefits.

Coaches must design clear pathways for growth. Give reps in preseason and situational packages to build confidence. Use targeted playcalling to exploit strengths, not hide them. Meanwhile, avoid cutting players based on one mistake or limited snaps.

Parting ways too easily skirts long-term vision. “Parting ways is like throwing the baby out with the bathwater.” Therefore, remain optimistic and patient with development. These three players deserve that trust.

Conclusion

The case for why Rams three players deserve another chance rests on upside, timing, and design. Jarquez Hunter, Ty Hamilton, and Xavier Smith each showed traits that translate when afforded reps. Therefore, patience and targeted development become tactical advantages for 2026.

Because the rookie class is shallow, internal growth gains value. As a result, keeping and cultivating depth reduces midseason scramble. Coaches should create clear rep pathways, use situational packages, and prioritize confidence-building snaps. “Parting ways is like throwing the baby out with the bathwater,” and that wisdom matters in roster design.

Trusting depth also creates strategic diversity. Hunter can spell carries and change tempo. Hamilton can boost interior quickness and pass rush. Meanwhile, Smith stretches defenses vertically and opens lanes for play action. If these players rise, the Rams gain matchup flexibility and playoff insurance.

In short, optimism and deliberate investment can pay off. These three deserve the chance to prove it. For more Rams analysis and coverage, visit Rams News LLC and follow on X at @ZachGatsby.

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