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3 Rams players who should see expanded roles in 2026
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- 3 Rams players who should see expanded roles in 2026
The Los Angeles Rams have built their roster with superstar playmakers and versatile workhorses, masking weaknesses, amplifying strengths, and providing the team with diverse paths to victory. The Rams' constant evolution of their process and their operation is how Sean McVay and company have remained one of the NFL's best over the last 10 years, and in 2026, the Rams have three playmakers who could revolutionize their own roles.
These three players should see expanded roles in the upcoming season.
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Puka Nacua
Nacua is already one of the NFL's best receivers and is a pure ball carrier. His usage on screens and jet sweeps has provided the Rams with a quick-strike option to gain continuous positive yards with minimal risk of a turnover or a tackle for loss. One of the more underrated parts of Nacua's game is his ability to run through contact.
It is that skill that allows Nacua to mask how he approaches run blocking assignments and route patterns, deceiving defensive backs on what his play-by-play responsibilities are. In the NFC Championship Game, the Seahawks were able to scheme up advantageous matchups for Jaxon Smith-Njigba by lining him up in the backfield like a running back.
Expect the Rams to do that this year. Not only would McVay be able to scheme up looks, but the Rams could get the ball into Nacua's hands faster than ever before. Along with that potential, Nacua draws considerable attention due to his production. Thus, if eyes are on the backfield, the Rams could use that to scheme up an opportunity downfield.
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Jaylen McCollough
The additions of Myles Garrett and Trent McDuffie were already enough to put McCollough in position to make continuous plays on the ball, but the addition of Jaylen Watson means the Rams can play man coverage across the board, allowing McCollough to blitz freely and often.
McCollough has a natural read of the game and with the variety of skill sets in the Rams' secondary, Chris Shula will be able to mix and match coverages, masking intent on assignments and how he draws up pressure. McCollough will be at the heart of that.
Where I see his evolution coming from is the fact that he's surrounded by veterans who are comfortable with themselves. Every member of the secondary has at least two NFL seasons under their belt, and they have either played in this system or have won two Super Bowls. That level of comfort, paired with the communication skills of Quentin Lake and Kam Curl should allow McCollough tremendous freedom to make instinctual choices, based on what he sees on the field.
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Maybe this is a bridge too far, but do not be surprised if McCollough has a breakout year and plays a " Budda Baker " type of role before the end of the season.
Josaiah Stewart
Stewart was a solid performer during his rookie season, producing in a variety of roles while playing at a mature level. One of the jobs that he was excellent in was the Michael Hoecht role. Named after the former Rams linebacker, the role requires the player to help mask blitzes and coverage assignments from the linebacker role.
Stewart is grossly underrated in coverage and is a burgeoning star as a pass rusher. With Garrett being a player who instantly eliminates space in pockets, Stewart's speed and instincts should be the key in corralling scrambling quarterbacks and their safety valves.
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: 3 Rams players who should see expanded roles in 2026
