Former Fresno State cornerback Al'zillion Hamilton was supposed to get his first real shot at carving out a role with the Los Angeles Rams after the 2026 draft. Instead, training camp opens with that plan on hold, because Hamilton is on the PUP list.
That’s a rough break for any rookie, and especially for an undrafted one trying to force his way into the conversation. At cornerback, where timing, communication and trust matter so much, missing the early days of camp can put a player behind before the competition even really starts.
And there was real opportunity here. Hamilton’s ball-hawking style lined up with an open battle for depth spots behind Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson. That kind of opening does not come around often, and it looked like the kind of chance a rookie could use to stick.
Now that window is at least temporarily closed, which could create room for someone else to grab those reps. Third-year corner Cam Lampkin is one name who could benefit if he steps into that role and makes the most of the work available.
Still, Hamilton is not out of the picture. He remains on the roster, and the Rams have shown they are willing to move practice squad players up when needed in the secondary.
Even without early camp reps, he still has a path to the practice squad, and the missed time may not hurt him as much as it first appears. Rams coaches will still want a look once he is available, while other teams trying to claim him off waivers won’t have much tape to work with.
It is a disappointing start for one of the more intriguing rookies in the group. Nyzier Fourqurean and Drey Norwood are still in the mix, and both undrafted players have a chance to climb the depth chart as camp unfolds.
Hamilton looked like the hidden gem of the class. That label is still there for now, even if it is on pause. Training camp is moving forward, and the rest of the young corners are fighting to make their case.
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