The Los Angeles Rams performance was up and down against the Los Angeles Chargers. But several players had standout games that will help solidify their place on the team.
Preseason Week 2: Top 5 Los Angeles Rams Vs. Chargers
Omar Speights, MLB
Undrafted free agent, Omar Speights is currently the top-graded linebacker from the 2024 rookie class, per PFF and he is ranked in the top 10 in all four defensive grades. He has combined for 11 tackles and has missed none. Three of those tackles were behind the line of scrimmage. He also leads all rookie defenders with eight STOPs.
The Rams will likely keep four linebackers on the roster, he and Jake Hummel are the front runners for the fourth and final spot.
Xavier Smith, WR
Xavier Smith was able to peek out from behind Jordan Whittington‘s shadow of increasing size. The Rams tested him as a slot in Week 1 but moved him more outside in Week 2. Smith proved to be a good deeper threat than a slot-only receiver.
The Rams may have been able to sneak the former Florida A&M Rattler past 31 other teams and onto their practice squad. But now that his versatility is on tape, that seems unlikely.
Smith caught five passes for 45 yards. He rushed once, picking up nine yards. And he took a punt back for 34 yards. That is the longest Rams punt return since 2021.
Offensive Line Depth
The mythology of Rams offensive line coach, Ryan Wendell, is rapidly growing as he has taken the young and unknown and made them a great line.
All Rams offensive linemen combined for one allowed pressure against the formidable Chargers pass rush. Special attention should be given to rookie sixth-rounder, Beaux Limmer. Limmer is the only rookie to play 90 or more snaps not to allow a single pressure. He has the fifth-best run-blocking grade among rookies, 77.9. The fifth overall pick, Joe Alt is ranked 6th.
Carlos Watkins, DL
After signing with the team three days before this game, Watkins led the team in quarterback pressures (3) and managed three run stops as well. One of those pressures became a strip-sack. All while playing just 28 snaps.