It’s time for summer break. The Los Angeles Rams wrapped up one day of mandatory minicamp on Tuesday after weeks of OTAs, which means players will now get a month off before returning for training camp in July.
OTAs and minicamp don’t feature full contact or pads, but they are valuable parts of the offseason preparation process. The competition will really ramp up when the team heads to Loyola Marymount next month for training camp, but here’s what we learned from the offseason workout program this May and June.
1
Matthew Stafford isn’t holding out
Stafford wants an updated contract with more guaranteed money, but that doesn’t mean he’s going to miss valuable practice time in hopes of forcing the Rams’ hand. He hasn’t missed a single workout or practice this offseason and Sean McVay said he expects Stafford to be there for the start of training camp in July.
That’s a sign of Stafford’s leadership and the Rams surely appreciate the fact that he isn’t making this contract “dispute” a bigger, more public talking point. Even if a deal doesn’t get done before the start of the season, it should be status quo with Stafford.
2
Kyren Williams’ foot injury is nothing to worry about
Williams was said to have a “foot issue” a couple of weeks ago, which McVay said would sideline him until training camp. That was on May 21, but last week, Williams returned to practice and was at least going through individual drills.
There was some concern about Williams suffering another foot injury after dealing with multiple foot/ankle injuries in the last two years, but given his quick return to the field, there doesn’t appear to be anything to worry about.
3
Steve Avila is making the move to center seem easy
Avila was a stud at left guard last season, playing every single snap as a rookie in 2023. That’s what made the news of his move to center so surprising this offseason, but it’s understandable why the Rams want him to switch positions. They saw an opportunity to sign Jonah Jackson as their left guard and they couldn’t resist, which forced Avila to move over to center.
By all accounts, he’s made that transition look easy. Jackson has been impressed by the second-year lineman and McVay echoed those sentiments this week by saying Avila has “done a really good job” at his new position. The O-line shouldn’t miss a beat with Avila at center.
4
Jared Verse is going to be a leader on defense
Verse is only a rookie but he’s already establishing himself as a leader on the defensive side of the ball. Fellow outside linebacker Byron Young loves the way Verse makes his voice heard in practice, and Verse is unapologetically vocal – whether it’s talking to his teammates or celebrating after making a big play in the backfield.
The Rams need vocal players on defense after losing Aaron Donald to retirement and it seems Verse is on track to be someone who takes command of that group despite being a first-year guy.
5
Quentin Lake isn’t a lock to be Rams’ slot defender
Lake was an impactful player in the slot last season, helping fill the void left by Jalen Ramsey on defense. He emerged as the Rams’ best option at the “star” spot but he may not remain there in 2024. New defensive coordinator Chris Shula said during OTAs that Derion Kendrick and Russ Yeast have impressed him as the nickel defenders thus far, omitting Lake’s name from his answer.
Does that mean Kendrick and Yeast are ahead of Lake on the depth chart? Or is Lake just destined to be a starting safety next to Kamren Curl? Training camp will help the Rams sort out their new-look secondary but as of now, it doesn’t look like Lake is the favorite to cover the slot this season.
6
Tre’Davious White isn’t quite healthy yet
White suffered a torn Achilles last October and is still understandably rehabbing that injury. Sometimes, it takes a player 12-plus months to fully recover from a torn Achilles, so there’s no real surprise that White is still making his way back. The Rams just hope he’s ready for Week 1 but there’s no guarantee he will be 100% for the start of the season.
McVay said this week that White is “making good progress” but the Rams will have to “see where he’s at” when it comes time for training camp in July. Being such an important part of the defense, the Rams want to ensure they take it slow with their big free-agent signing so he’s on the field as much as possible in 2024.
7
Colby Parkinson is a player to watch this season
Tyler Higbee has been sidelined from practice due to a torn ACL and MCL suffered in January, which has thrust Parkinson and Davis Allen into a bigger role thus far. If Higbee isn’t healthy for Week 1, Parkinson is someone to keep a close eye on because the Rams are excited about his potential after he was buried on the Seahawks’ depth chart for the last three years.
McVay said recently that Parkinson will add “real value” to the Rams offense this season and he’s impressed in practice already with his size and catch radius at 6-foot-7. He can be an impactful player right away this season if Higbee is out for the start of the season.
