3 Rams who should exceed expectations in 2026
· Yahoo Sports
The Los Angeles Rams have a stellar offense that is being commanded by one of the best quarterbacks in football. Despite their elite scheme and the play of Matthew Stafford, the team still needs playmakers and these three are in position to be that difference.
Visit goldparty.lat for more information.
Here are three Rams who should exceed expectations in 2026, even as high as they might be.
Puka Nacua
Nacua is already one of the best receivers in football and yet he's still grossly underrated compared to his counterparts. Entering last season, there were some divided opinions about whether he was a top-10 wide receiver. His response was to continuously shine against the top defenses in 2025. Entering 2026, Nacua is considered one of the best but his current career track makes this the season where he goes from being among the NFL's top playmakers to being the best.
With Davante Adams being a year older and the Rams evolving their tight end usage, their only consistent receiving threat is Nacua. Naturally, he will see the majority of targets and with a scheme that can attack a variety of defenses, Nacua is the tip of the spear to the NFL's best passing offense. Even at Pro Bowl status, there's still another level Nacua could reach and 2026 is the perfect opportunity to reach it.
Keagan Trost
At some point, Trost has to see the field. He's essentially the Rams' main backup lineman. He will likely serve as the swing tackle and could challenge Justin Dedich and Beaux Limmer for the top backup role on the interior.
Trost is also in position to be a full-time starter as soon as next season, due to the Rams' current contract situation. There are two reasons why Trost should see extended time on the field this season. Alaric Jackson is currently working through a legal situation that leaves him exposed to a potential suspension. At the same time, guards Steve Avila and Kevin Dotson dealt with health issues last season, which led to both players missing multiple games. Jackson also has a noted history with blood clots, and for a variety of reasons, he has never played a full season.
Trost was one of the best linemen in college football last season and is 25 years old. He has the film, experience, and physical frame to make the transition from college to the NFL. Considering how well the Rams have developed offensive linemen in the past, Trost should already be ahead of the curve, meaning he should develop at either a quicker rate or to a better ability than his counterparts. Considering his skills, it might be both.
Jordan Whittington
This will be dependent on how the Rams utilize him but Whittington could be the team's most unique offensive weapon if the coaching staff has some vision and creativity for his skill set. He is able to play as a receiver, fullback and running back, with his physical nature and speed allowing him to excel as a blocker and in the short-to-medium passing game.
Whittington's playstyle could be the key to spreading out the defense, while disguising their approach through the way he can mirror his steps on a blocking assignment in the same way he can on a route. Now he could do that from anywhere on the field.
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: 3 Rams who should exceed expectations in 2026