RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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See the full story · 1 sourcesCLEVELAND, OHIO - AUGUST 23: Cornerback Cam Lampkin #33 of the Los Angeles Rams celebrates after a play during the fourth quarter of an NFL Preseason 2025 game against the Cleveland Browns at Huntington Bank Field on August 23, 2025 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Browns defeated the Rams 19-17. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Los Angeles Rams training camp at Loyola Marymount University came to a close on Friday. The team now returns to their practice facilities at Woodland Hills.
A change of scene could bring the addition of Aaron Donald, who is expected to make an announcement in the coming weeks whether he will return to football. The Dallas Cowboys are also set to face LA in a joint practice session on Tuesday.
But before we turn our attention to the preseason, which players showed out at Loyola Marymount? Roster battles are won or lost in camp. Let’s check in on those with rising and falling stocks.
Winners
Receiver & corner battles
Nothing steals the show quite like two strengths going head-to-head. Puka Nacua and Davante Adams battled every day against Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson. They each had their own victories on certain days, but the Rams won from the competitive bar being raised.
Nacua and Adams seem to be picking up where they left off in 2025. A clean bill of health is of the upmost importance for each.
McDuffie and Watson seem as advertised. There are no signs of buyer’s remorse for the Rams so far.
This is the TD pass from Matthew Stafford to Davante Adams I was referring to earlier. Hard for any CB/DB to beat that ball placement by Stafford and the late hands by Adams pic.twitter.com/FOyc3umDzz
— Stu Jackson (@StuJRams) August 3, 2026
Blake Corum, RB
Is it a stretch to think that Corum can overtake Kyren Williams as the primary running back this season? Corum appears slimmed down and was already the more explosive player a year ago. This could realistically be Williams’ last season in Los Angeles .
It may not happen as early as Week 1, but Corum seems on the path to earning LA’s RB#1 job in 2026 and beyond.
Cam Lampkin & Emmanuel Forbes, CB
While McDuffie and Watson were the shiny new additions that were met with more anticipation, Cam Lampkin and Emmanuel Forbes both consistently drew praise across camp practices.
Fans may see Forbes more often than they expect depending on how much McDuffie plays in the slot. The Rams plan to deploy McDuffie in a variety of ways, and someone must play outside if McDuffie aligns elsewhere. It’s an encouraging sign for LA that Forbes has performed well when given the opportunity.
For that same reason, the Rams need as many outside corners as possible. They are short on numbers. Lampkin is an outside corner, and he entered camp with an advantage over the likes of Josh Wallace and others because of positional value. Lampkin has been a ballhawk. He’s someone to watch in the preseason.
Cam Lampkin has had a solid camp. pic.twitter.com/jsRCgZNKqd
— Allen Sales (@AllenSales) August 7, 2026
Terrance Ferguson, TE
Ferguson reportedly knows all receiving positions within the offense and is aligning all over the field . The Rams would like to utilize his run after the catch ability more often—something he consistently flashed at Oregon.
It’s not exactly bold to predict a breakout campaign for last year’s top draft pick; however, things seem to be trending in the right direction for Ferguson. Max Klare has recently received first-string snaps as well.
Could 2026 be the year of the tight ends?
Losers
Kyren Williams, RB
Deploying Williams as the primary punt returner at the minimum is peculiar. Perhaps the Rams are simply biding time until cutdown day when they acquire an alternative. Still, with Corum’s emergence and Williams’ strange usage, it only seems like the veteran is trending downwards with the team.
LA has several key players that need re-signed in the next year or two. There may not be enough salary cap space to keep around an expensive running back. Enjoy him in Los Angeles while you can.
Xavier Smith, WR
How bad is Xavier Smith as a punt returner for the team to hand the reins to Williams? It would be increasingly difficult for Smith to stick on the roster if he loses his value as a special teams player. He also hasn’t had many breakout moments in camp as a receiver.
Smith may never live down his muffed punt in last year’s NFC Championship game.
Stetson Bennett, QB
It may seem odd that Bennett is included on the “losers” list. He’s drawn praise in camp for his performance so far, although in recent days he’s seemed to have taken a step back and saw an uptick in turnovers.
It’s telling that Sean McVay said Ty Simpson would play in the preseason but is still mulling the idea of whether Bennett will join him. That tells me the backup quarterback spot is not yet won.
And if the quarterback competition is even remotely close, Simpson will have the upper hand in terms of sticking on the roster. Bennett had to win in convincing fashion. I’m not sure he did.
Pick 6 here by Sean Dolac. pic.twitter.com/LtzvpAEu4j
— Allen Sales (@AllenSales) August 7, 2026
Jarquez Hunter, RB
Jarquez Hunter needed to stand out in training camp in order to find a role in 2026 . It’s been quiet on that front so far, which aligns with his first year in the NFL.
But training camp can be a tough environment for running backs. Hunter is battling with Ronnie Rivers for what is likely the third and final spot on the roster at the position.
Their real battle does not begin until the preseason. Both should be expected to see significant work and make their case.
It hasn’t been ideal for Hunter so far. There is still time to salvage his second season.
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