Rams' 7 biggest position battles to watch in training camp

On paper, the Los Angeles Rams have arguably the NFL's best team. Their starting lineup is as strong as any, and they have quality depth at several positions.

That doesn't mean it's a perfect roster heading into training camp, though. Like every other team, there are position battles that will be sorted out in practice, whether it's for starting spots or key backup roles.

With practices getting underway soon, here's a look at the seven most important position battles to watch during training camp this summer.

Backup quarterback

Ty Simpson vs. Stetson Bennett

There are a few ways this battle could go. If Simpson wins out and becomes the QB2, the Rams could choose to keep Bennett as the No. 3 quarterback. They could also decide to cut him and only carry Matthew Stafford and Simpson.

On the flip side, if Bennett beats out Simpson, both will make the 53-man roster no matter what. There's no world where Simpson is going to be cut this year, so his spot is safe. It's more about whether the Rams see value in carrying three quarterbacks by keeping Bennett around.

It will be one of the most fascinating and dissected battles of camp, with every rep and throw being analyzed throughout the summer.

No. 3 running back

Jarquez Hunter vs. Ronnie Rivers

Kyren Williams and Blake Corum are the top two running backs on the team. There's no debate about that. What's very much up in the air is the spot immediately behind them. Hunter didn't see a single offensive snap or carry as a rookie last season, being a healthy scratch most of the year. Rivers played sparingly but the coaching staff likes his skill set and experience within the offensive system.

Hunter has a better chance of making the team because of his status as a 2025 fourth-round pick, but Rivers could potentially beat him out again.

No. 3 wide receiver

Jordan Whittington vs. Konata Mumpfield vs. CJ Daniels vs. Xavier Smith

This time last year, the Rams had Tutu Atwell penciled in as their WR3. He caught six passes for 192 yards and one touchdown on the year, despite being paid $10 million guaranteed. Atwell is now out of the picture and the Rams are turning to younger players as potential replacements.

Whittington is a versatile player who doesn't help much on downfield routes, but he can take handoffs and catch short passes, using his physicality to pick up yards after contact. Mumpfield is a good route runner but he isn't very strong at the catch point. Daniels is perhaps the most intriguing player because of his willingness to make catches in traffic, as well as his leaping ability on deep passes.

Smith might've been the Rams' most effective backup receiver last year but he's mostly just a speedster with good elusiveness.

All of these players could contribute at some point this season, but one of them should emerge as the favorite coming out of camp.

Tight end

Colby Parkinson vs. Tyler Higbee vs. Terrance Ferguson vs. Davis Allen vs. Max Klare

It's not a certainty that Parkinson will be the top tight end again, especially if Ferguson takes a big step in Year 2. He could push Parkinson for snaps in 11 personnel, as could the other tight ends. This is an impressive collection of players, but the Rams still are lacking a true No. 1 tight end – and that's OK, given their desire to run 13 personnel.

Parkinson and Higbee are well-rounded players, whereas Ferguson, Allen and Klare are better receivers than blockers. Look for the Rams to have multiple tight ends on the field fairly often again this season after finding so much success in 2025.

Backup edge rusher

Josaiah Stewart vs. Desjuan Johnson

As talented as Myles Garrett and Byron Young are, they won't play every single snap. They're going to need breathers here and there, coming off the field in order to stay fresh throughout the game and season. That will give Stewart and Johnson a chance to contribute, even if it's only for a handful of snaps per week.

Stewart was the one backing up Jared Verse and Young last season, and that should be the case again this year. But Johnson came on late in the year and impressed, showing he's successfully transitioned from defensive tackle to edge rusher.

Inside linebacker

Omar Speights vs. Shaun Dolac vs. Grant Stuard

Nate Landman isn't losing his starting spot, even after some late-season struggles in 2025. It's the position next to him that's up for grabs. Speights, Dolac and Stuard are all competing for playing time at linebacker, though Stuard will contribute mostly on special teams.

While Speights should be considered the favorite, Dolac was great in college and could potentially beat out Speights for the LB2 spot.

Punt returner

Xavier Smith vs. everyone else

The Rams made changes on special teams by hiring a new coordinator, Bubba Ventrone, and signing two key contributors in Stuard and Joe Cardona. However, they once again ignored the punt returner spot. Smith handled those duties last year but after muffing a punt in the NFC title game, he isn't exactly on stable ground.

It's a complete mystery as to which players could compete with Smith in the return game. Might CJ Daniels get a crack? Brennan Presley? Kyren Williams? It still seems like Smith's job to lose.

This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: Rams' 7 biggest position battles to watch in training camp