Rams training camp winners and losers roundup
The Los Angeles Rams closed their 2026 training camp and will head into three preseason games and several joint scrimmages with most roles largely settled.
Reporting at Ramblin Fan identified six winners and two losers from camp, clarifying who enters preseason with momentum and who faces roster pressure.
Key Takeaways
- Most starting and major rotational roles appear claimed, leaving the Rams with a largely settled top of the depth chart going into preseason games.
- Six standouts from camp included Grant Stuard, Cam Lampkin, CJ Daniels, Stetson Bennett, Emmanuel Forbes, and the tight end group coached by Scott Huff.
- Wide receiver Xavier Smith and running back Jarquez Hunter finished camp with open questions and will face scrutiny during the preseason slate.
- Tight end coaching and special-teams play emerged as central themes that could determine final 53-man roster choices.
Rams training camp winners and losers by position
Linebacker Grant Stuard
Grant Stuard expanded a primarily special-teams role into defensive snaps during camp and strengthened his roster value.
His work on coverage units and in team periods gives the Rams an experienced rotational option on game days.
Cornerback Cam Lampkin
Cam Lampkin drew praise for highlight plays in team drills and appears positioned for a larger role in the secondary despite limited work against the starting quarterback.
Evaluators noted his playmaking flashes while tempering expectations because many of his reps did not come versus the first-team offense.
Cornerback Emmanuel Forbes
Emmanuel Forbes shifted into a rotational coverage role after the arrival of other cornerbacks and worked on defending top receivers during practice periods.
The staff has slotted him more as a sub-package option than an every-down starter based on camp usage.
Wide receiver CJ Daniels
CJ Daniels impressed across rookie, backup, and first-string drills and consistently caught the ball in competitive periods.
That reliability put him into the conversation for early-season snaps and multiple offensive groupings.
Quarterback Stetson Bennett
Backup quarterback Stetson Bennett performed well in camp, demonstrated command of the offense, and helped younger pass-catchers during team reps.
His steady presence contributed to cleaner execution in the non-starting quarterback reps.
Losers Xavier Smith and Jarquez Hunter
Wide receiver Xavier Smith did not show the necessary jump to lock up the returner role and finished camp with his special-teams job uncertain.
With speed on the roster but limited assurance on returns, Smith will enter the preseason with work to do to secure that niche.
Running back Jarquez Hunter entered camp behind Kyren Williams and Blake Corum and received no offensive work in 2025, leaving him further down the pecking order this summer.
Hunter’s path to consistent snaps appears to require noticeable preseason production to improve his roster standing.
Tight end room and impact under Scott Huff
Tight ends coach Scott Huff received credit for reshaping the position into a dependable part of the offense, and the unit combined for 17 receiving touchdowns last season.
Assistant coaching continuity and a plug-and-play mix that included Colby Parkinson, Tyler Higbee, Davis Allen, and others established clearer roles and set expectations for multiple contributors this year.
Camp status comparison and positional context
| Player | Camp status |
|---|---|
| Xavier Smith | Speed-oriented receiver whose hold on the returner role weakened after an underwhelming camp showing |
| Jarquez Hunter | Running back currently behind established starters and needing preseason production to improve roster odds |
| Grant Stuard | Veteran linebacker who expanded a special-teams role into defensive snaps and strengthened his game-day value |
| Cam Lampkin | Cornerback praised for camp highlight plays and in position for more snaps despite limited matchups with the starter |
Roster construction and recruiting implications
With most starting and rotational roles appearing solidified, the Rams enter preseason focused on trimming depth while preserving special-teams acumen and positional flexibility.
Camp performances by recent draftees and undrafted rookies also feed recruiting narratives, showing clear pathways from college production to NFL opportunity and informing how teams evaluate talent moving forward.
