The Rams’ first preseason game offered a clean look at a rookie class that suddenly has some real movement near the top. With no starters on the field against the Chiefs, Saturday became a showcase for first-year players trying to carve out roles, and a few names made a noticeable push.
Ty Simpson came out of the opener looking like the rookie who changed the conversation most. He finished 21-for-25 for 190 yards and two touchdowns, and he did it with the kind of calm that stands out even in a preseason setting.
Simpson wasn’t asked to carry the offense, but he ran it efficiently, threw accurately, and stayed on schedule. That kind of showing naturally raises the question of where things stand in the backup quarterback competition between Simpson and Bennett.
Max Klare also took advantage of the extra snaps. The rookie tight end was one of Simpson’s favorite targets and finished with seven catches. McVay liked what he saw, saying, “I thought he took a really good step in the right direction and I think he's been the guy that has really benefited the most from reps that he wouldn't have gotten otherwise in Davis' absence,” said McVay.
Dean Connors made his presence felt in a different way. The undrafted free agent accounted for both Rams touchdowns in the game and caught four passes, with two going for scores.
His best work came as a receiver, especially in the screen game, where his vision and hands stood out. He didn’t offer much as a runner, but he gave the Rams something to think about over the next two preseason games.
McVay also singled out another undrafted rookie, saying, “Nick Andersen was a guy that came to mind that seemed like he flashed pretty consistently,” said McVay. That kind of mention matters for a player chasing a practice squad spot, and Andersen’s opener gave him a solid foundation to build on.
The offensive line depth held up better than expected, and Austin Blaske was a big part of that. He graded as the sixth-highest tackle in Week 1 of the preseason via PFF, allowed just one pressure, and was effective in the run game. He may have a tough path to the roster, but he gave the Rams reason to keep developing him.
Not every rookie came away with the same momentum. CJ Daniels had a quieter night after a strong training camp, finishing with two catches for 18 yards on five targets. That doesn’t make it a bad outing, but it does serve as a reminder that he’s still a rookie.
On the defensive side, Keenan’s first extended look was uneven. He finished with an overall defense grade of 35.8 via Pro Football Focus and had trouble at times against the run, which is supposed to be his strength. As a seventh-round pick, he has a little built-in cushion, but he’ll need a better two weeks to strengthen his case.
Wesley Bailey kept showing up in the backfield, even if the box score didn’t reward him. His snap-to-snap burst and constant pressure on the play were obvious throughout the game, and while he wasn’t credited with any pressures, the Rams felt his presence. A roster spot looks like a long shot, but he has a clear path to the practice squad.
Trost’s ranking is more about availability than performance. He left with a hamstring injury and is expected to be out for a few weeks, which is a significant setback with Alaric Jackson’s potential suspension looming. Getting Trost back quickly will matter.
After one preseason game, the rookie list already has a different feel. Simpson is at the top, Connors and Klare made strong statements, and a few others showed enough to keep the Rams paying close attention.
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