Rams Training Camp presented by UNIFY Financial Credit Union gets underway this week. We've already previewed some of the key topics surrounding each position group, and now we'll explore five storylines fans should be watching closely.
1) Spotlight on offensive tackles
I wrote a little over a week ago about the offensive line's continuity going as far as its health will take it – namely at the tackle positions.
Rob Havenstein's two shoulder cleanout procedures limited him in OTAs, but he said in April that he'd be ready to go for training camp. Head coach Sean McVay indicated they would have more clarity on Alaric Jackson (blood clots) once the team reconvened for training camp.
Los Angeles signed veterans D.J. Humphries and David Quessenberry as proactive measures taken for a contingency plan, so they will be players to watch depending on Jackson's status, as well as Warren McClendon Jr.
2) Emmanuel Forbes Jr.'s progression
Forbes was an OTAs standout who established himself as an ascending player.
Carrying that progress into training camp will be crucial not only for his development, but the secondary's as a whole – especially after the vote of confidence in this current group by choosing not to draft any cornerbacks this year or add any veterans (excluding the re-signing of Ahkello Witherspoon).
3) Which rookies will begin to earn roles?
It has not mattered whether a rookie is drafted or undrafted – first-year players have often found ways to carve out roles in Los Angeles.
McVay previously said on the minicamp recap show that they expect tight end Terrance Ferguson to contribute this season, but it will have to be earned.
4) Secondary getting in sync with the pass rush
L.A.'s pass rush began to take off around the midway point of the season, and it benefitted its secondary, with 11 of 13 interceptions collected from Week 7 onward.
Carrying over the ability to generate those takeaways off that pass rush will be an important development over the course of training camp.
5) Impact of continuity at coordinator positions
This is the first time McVay has carried over the same offensive coordinator, defensive coordinator and special teams coordinator (with another coaching staff member in the role) for consecutive seasons.
The 2018 and 2019 seasons came close, but McVay was the de-facto offensive coordinator – since no one on the staff had the title – with Wade Phillips as his defensive coordinator and John Fassel as his special teams coordinator.
What impact can that continuity have on the team's preparation, and more importantly, its ability to teach the 2025 visions for each phase?
