The young core of the Los Angeles Rams has quickly become one of the more intriguing groups in the NFL, and 2026 could be the season where several ascending players fully arrive on the national stage. The Rams have consistently leaned on draft development under head coach Sean McVay and general manager Les Snead, and now many of those investments are entering critical developmental years.
Four of the players on this list come from the Rams’ 2024 draft class and are now entering their third NFL season — often considered the pivotal year for young players to make a major leap from promising contributors into cornerstone pieces. The franchise has already seen flashes from several of these players, but consistency and expanded roles could push them into breakout territory during the 2026 season.
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From emerging defensive stars to offensive playmakers poised for larger workloads, here are five Rams players who are likely to break out in 2026.
1. Terrance Ferguson, TE
Tight end Terrance Ferguson may not have entered the league with overwhelming hype, but his trajectory within the Rams offense has steadily pointed upward. Entering his second NFL season, Ferguson appears positioned for a considerably larger role after gaining more exposure during the second half of the 2025 campaign.
The Rams slowly integrated Ferguson into the offense early in his rookie season, but his athleticism and ability to create mismatches became increasingly evident as the year progressed. He showed comfort working underneath zones, displayed reliable hands in traffic, and proved capable of stretching the seam vertically — an area the Rams offense has always valued at the tight end position.
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One of the more beneficial aspects of Ferguson’s development is the environment around him. Veterans Tyler Higbee and Colby Parkinson remain important presences in the tight end room, giving Ferguson experienced mentors to lean on while continuing to refine the nuances of the position.
With defenses focused heavily on the Rams’ wide receiver group, Ferguson could become a major secondary option in the passing attack. His role should expand significantly in red-zone packages and play-action concepts, giving him a legitimate chance to emerge as one of the more productive young tight ends in the NFC.
2. Braden Fiske, DL
Defensive lineman Braden Fiske already showcased disruptive flashes during his first two NFL seasons, but 2026 could be the year where his production fully matches his talent level.
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A major reason for optimism surrounding Fiske is health. He is now a full year removed from the minor knee procedure that lingered as a talking point early in his career. While the injury never completely derailed his development, being further removed from the recovery process should allow him to play with greater explosiveness and consistency.
Fiske’s motor has never been questioned. His ability to penetrate gaps and create interior pressure fits perfectly within the Rams’ aggressive defensive philosophy. What could elevate him into true breakout territory is improved stamina and a larger snap share. The Rams appear prepared to trust him with a more significant workload in 2026, especially in obvious passing situations.
Interior pass rushers are among the most valuable defensive pieces in the modern NFL, and Fiske possesses the quickness and leverage to become a nightmare matchup for opposing guards. If he takes another step as a run defender while continuing to pressure quarterbacks, double-digit tackle-for-loss numbers are firmly within reach.
3. Jared Verse, EDGE
Few Rams players enter 2026 with more expectations than edge rusher Jared Verse.
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Verse has already established himself as one of the league’s most physically gifted young pass rushers, but he is entering his third training camp with an even bigger agenda. The goal is no longer simply becoming a top-15 edge defender. Verse wants to establish himself among the elite pass rushers in football.
The tools are clearly there. His explosiveness off the line, violent hands, and relentless pursuit make him one of the most difficult edge defenders to block one-on-one. What separates elite pass rushers, however, is consistency week after week — and that is the next frontier for Verse.
The Rams defense has evolved into one of the faster and more aggressive units in the conference, and Verse is central to that identity. Opposing offenses will continue to slide protection his direction, but true stars learn how to dominate despite extra attention.
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If Verse takes the anticipated leap in finishing ability and sack production, he could quickly enter Defensive Player of the Year conversations. The Rams believe they drafted a franchise-altering defender, and 2026 may be the season the rest of the NFL fully sees it.
Verse was also rumored to be invited to train with the NFL’s best edge rushers, Micah Parsons and Will Anderson Jr this offseason.
4. Kam Kinchens, S
Safety Kamren Kinchens quietly enters 2026 as one of the longest-tenured members of the Rams secondary, which says a great deal about how rapidly the defensive backfield has evolved in recent seasons.
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Kinchens has steadily earned trust through his instincts, communication, and ball skills. While he may not always receive national attention, the Rams coaching staff clearly values his ability to stabilize the back end of the defense.
The biggest opportunity for Kinchens this season could come from expanded leadership responsibilities. With several younger defensive backs continuing to rotate into the secondary, Kinchens is becoming one of the primary voices in coverage adjustments and pre-snap communication.
What makes him a breakout candidate is his playmaking upside. He has consistently shown strong anticipation in zone coverage and possesses the range to create turnovers. As the Rams defensive front continues generating pressure, opportunities for interceptions and splash plays in the secondary should increase.
A season with multiple interceptions, forced turnovers, and increased recognition around the league feels very attainable for Kinchens in 2026.
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5. Blake Corum, RB
Running back Blake Corum may finally be on the verge of the expanded offensive role many expected when the Rams drafted him.
Throughout 2025, Corum flashed the toughness, vision, and contact balance that made him one of college football’s most productive runners. However, the Rams continued to rely heavily on Kyren Williams as the lead back.
That dynamic may shift considerably in 2026. It is now widely predicted that Corum could see a near-even 50-50 split in carries alongside Williams, creating far more opportunities for him to establish rhythm and consistency throughout games.
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Corum’s compact running style makes him particularly dangerous late in contests when defenses begin wearing down. A larger workload could unlock the type of production many envisioned coming out of college. If Corum receives 15 touches per game consistently, surpassing 1,000 total yards is very realistic.
For a Rams team built around offensive balance and explosive playmaking, Corum could become one of the most important breakout contributors on the roster in 2026.
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