The Los Angeles Rams have a roster that's the envy of many, but it's not without its weak spots. Special teams, cornerbacks, and receiver depth are areas that need attention.
Sean McVay has already started addressing special teams by parting ways with coordinator Chase Blackburn. As for cornerbacks and receivers, the Rams will look to free agency and the draft, but some players will need to elevate their game or risk being sidelined.
Let's dive into three Rams players who have a lot to prove in 2026.
Emmanuel Forbes - Cornerback
Emmanuel Forbes is a name that Rams fans are watching closely. With Cobie Durant and Roger McCreary entering free agency, the pressure is on Forbes to step up. While he tied for the team lead with three interceptions and ranked second in the NFL with 13 pass breakups, his overall performance left much to be desired.
Despite playing over 800 snaps, Forbes was just 72nd in stops, a critical metric for preventing offensive gains. His 16 missed tackles were the third-most among cornerbacks, leading to a concerning 53.8 overall grade from Pro Football Focus. If Forbes doesn't improve, the Rams might reconsider his future with the team, especially with a hefty $11.7 million club option looming in 2027.
Jordan Whittington - Wide Receiver
Matthew Stafford needs a reliable third receiving option behind Puka Nacua and Davante Adams. Enter Jordan Whittington, who had a quiet sophomore season with only 18 catches for 171 yards. Most of his production came early in the season, raising questions about his consistency.
As he enters his third year, Whittington faces competition from Xavier Smith, Konata Mumphfield, and potential new draft picks. If he doesn't step up, he risks losing his spot on the depth chart. As a late-round pick, Whittington can't afford to take his position for granted.
Ty Hamilton - Defensive Tackle
While defensive tackle might not be the Rams' most pressing need, Ty Hamilton's development is still crucial. Backing up Kobie Turner, Hamilton saw limited action, playing just 12.3 percent of defensive snaps across 14 games. His performance earned him a low PFF grade of 29.9, indicating room for improvement.
The Rams aren't expecting Hamilton to become a Pro Bowler overnight, but they do need more from him. If he can't deliver, the team might look elsewhere for depth at the position.
In summary, these three players have the potential to make a significant impact on the Rams' success this season. Whether they rise to the occasion remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the spotlight is on them, and it's time to prove their worth.