Rams Reunion: Familiar Faces Battle for Final Roster Spots
The Rams’ Secret Preseason Strategy: How Underdogs Become Stars
Why Preseason Games Are Different for the Rams
Important Point: The Los Angeles Rams don’t care about winning preseason games. They care about finding players.
Imagine you’re trying out for a sports team, but the coaches already know who the starters are. The preseason is like a giant tryout for everyone else! Here’s how the Rams do it differently:
- They play "vanilla" football – This means super simple plays, no fancy tricks or secret strategies
- They pit rookies against veterans – The bottom of the Rams roster plays against other teams’ starters and main backups
- Final scores don’t matter – A 0-3 preseason record means nothing if you find three great players
The "Nothing to Prove, Nothing to Lose" Magic
Head coach Sean McVay has created a brilliant system:
| Group | Mindset | What They’re Playing For |
|---|---|---|
| Veterans with roster spots | "I have nothing to prove" | Staying healthy, helping young players |
| Rookies & bubble players | "I have nothing to lose" | A spot on the 53-man roster or practice squad |
This creates perfect tension – hungry players fighting for their NFL lives while established stars cheer them on.
Three 2025 Preseason Stars to Watch in 2026
1. Wyatt Bowles – The Silent Pancake Machine
Position: Offensive Lineman
Background: Utah State graduate, 2nd year with Rams
Why he’s special:
- 51 "pancake blocks" in college – That’s when an offensive lineman flattens a defender completely (like a pancake!)
- Dominates in the trenches – Preseason games are won in the trenches, and Bowles owns that space
- Practice squad veteran – Spent 2025 learning the system, now ready to fight for a real roster spot
Key Insight: Offensive linemen rarely get headlines, but coaches love players who make their quarterback’s life easy.
2. Brennan Presley – The Tiny Speed Demon
Position: Wide Receiver
Stats from 2025 Preseason: 11 catches on 13 targets, 164 yards, 1 touchdown
The challenge: At 5’8", 174 lbs, he’s tiny by NFL standards
The weapon: 4.46-second 40-yard dash – that’s really fast!
Quarterback connections:
- Worked beautifully with Stetson Bennett (now the presumed QB2)
- Even caught passes from Dresser Winn (3 catches, 24 yards)
Real talk: He probably won’t make the 53-man roster, but he’s practice squad gold – a player other teams might try to steal!
3. Nate Valcarcel – The Tackling Machine
Position: Safety
Background: Undrafted free agent (signed without being picked in the draft)
Size: 6’1", 194 lbs
2025 Preseason Resume:
- Played all three games
- 15 total tackles – that’s a LOT for preseason
- Fearless hitter – The kind of player coaches trust when games get tight
Development Path: Undrafted → Preseason star → Practice squad → Roster contender. This is the classic Rams success story!
The Stetson Bennett Proof: Preseason Does Matter
Living proof this system works: Stetson Bennett
- Was a preseason headliner in 2025
- Now the presumed QB2 for 2026 (backup to Matthew Stafford)
- Went from "fighting for a spot" to "one play away from starting"
How This Helps You as a Fan
5 Steps to Watch Preseason Like a Pro
- Ignore the score – Seriously, don’t even look at it
- Watch the "bubble" players – Guys wearing numbers in the 40s, 50s, 80s, 90s
- Track snap counts – Who’s playing the whole game? Those are the fighters
- Note special teams – Many roster spots are won on kick coverage and returns
- Follow the practice squad – That’s where tomorrow’s stars hide today
Summary
The Rams have cracked the code on preseason football: Treat it like a 3-week job interview. By playing simple football and letting hungry players compete against superior competition, they consistently find diamonds in the rough.
Wyatt Bowles, Brennan Presley, and Nate Valcarcel represent the 2026 class of "guys who showed up when nobody was watching." One great preseason doesn’t guarantee anything – but it does buy you another chance. And in the NFL, another chance is everything.
FAQ
Q: Why don’t the Rams play their starters in preseason?
A: Starters like Matthew Stafford and Cooper Kupp have nothing to gain and everything to lose (injury risk). The Rams protect their investments and use preseason to evaluate the next generation.
Q: What’s a "pancake block" and why does it matter?
A: When an offensive lineman blocks a defender so hard they end up flat on their back – like a pancake! It shows dominance, technique, and nastiness. 51 in college is an absurd number.
Q: Can a 5’8" receiver really play in the NFL?
A: Yes! Think Tyreek Hill, Steve Smith, or Wes Welker. If you’re fast (4.46 is elite), quick, and catch everything, size matters less. The slot receiver position was made for players like Presley.
Q: What’s the difference between the 53-man roster and practice squad?
A: 53-man roster: Active on game days, higher salary, counts against salary cap. Practice squad: 16 players who practice with the team, can be promoted anytime, lower salary, other teams can "poach" them by offering a 53-man spot.
Q: How did Stetson Bennett go from preseason star to QB2?
A: He showed poise, accuracy, and command of the offense when given real snaps against real defenses. The coaching staff saw enough to trust him as the primary backup – the most important backup job on the team!