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All eyes will be on the linebackers as Rams training camp begins next week
The Los Angeles Rams will end their summer break next week when they report to training camp and start preparing for the 2025 season. As is the case during every training camp, there will be a handful of position battles that fans and media will be watching closely. Last season it was the battle at the third wide receiver spot. This year, many will be watching what happens at linebacker among other positions. Let’s take a look at the top position battles.
The linebacker position is going to be one in which everybody will be watching during training camp. There may be favorites on who will be the starting pair, but nothing is set in stone. Omar Speights will have experience from last year and the Rams signed Nate Landman in free agency. Still, nothing seems guaranteed for those two. The Rams also drafted Chris Paul Jr. in the fifth round and Shaun Dolac was one of the higher rated undrafted free agents.
There is opportunity here for anybody to separate themselves. The Rams will be looking for the best two linebackers and someone the coaching staff can trust to run the defense. Landman and Speights will bring experience, but Paul and Dolac have a lot of upside and are both exciting players. Again, Landman and Speights are likely the favorites. That also doesn’t mean that training camp will end with those two as the starters if Paul or Dolac stand out.
Another position that will catch a lot of attention throughout training camp is at running back. The Rams drafted Blake Corum last year, but he didn’t have an impact in the running game. At the same time, the Rams just drafted Jarquez Hunter in April. This is a team looking for some explosiveness on offense, especially in the run game. That’s exactly what Hunter brings which is different from both Corum and Kyren Williams.
Many are hoping that head coach Sean McVay implements more of a running back by committee heading into 2025. If that happens, that could mean that more touches are up for grab behind Williams. The player that stands out the most in the passing game and in pass protection will likely have the upper hand. They also need to be able to keep the offense on track. Corum will have the experience from last year which should help as Hunter has a lot to work on in pass protection. However, if Hunter is able to pick up that part of the offense quickly, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him surpass Corum.
The Rams have their starting edge players set in stone heading into the 2025 season in Jared Verse...
