6 standouts from the Rams' 2nd week of training camp: Newcomers shine in practice

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Aug 1, 2025 - 18:00
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6 standouts from the Rams' 2nd week of training camp: Newcomers shine in practice

The Los Angeles Rams have a handful of new faces on the roster this year. Whether it was through free agency or the draft, they brought in a good amount of talent during the offseason.

While the season hasn't started yet, those newcomers are already making a positive impact on the team. Nate Landman is shining as the starting linebacker, Poona Ford has been stout against the run and the rookie class is acclimating quickly on each side of the ball.

On Thursday afternoon, the Rams wrapped up their second week of camp. Here's which six players stood out in the last four practices, a list that includes a bunch of offseason additions.

LB Nate Landman

Landman had already been having a good offseason but once the pads came on Monday, his stock really took off. He's been the leader of the defense and the signal caller wearing the green dot, putting him on track to play just about every snap this season.

Few players have received more positive reviews from players and coaches than Landman, who defensive coordinator Chris Shula says is "everything you want in a middle linebacker."

Here's what Sean McVay said about Landman this week after a practice in which he made a key stop on fourth-and-1.

"He has some natural leadership traits and characteristics," McVay said. "I think you're innately thrust into that when you play an inside linebacker position. He’s just got a good feel. He's got great awareness, a good understanding of how to be able to positively uplift his teammates and challenge them in the right way. I love what this guy is about."

RB Blake Corum

Even with Kyren Williams leading the running back room again, Corum could be poised for a much bigger season in 2025 than the fairly quiet rookie year he had. He's been impressive in training camp, showing good burst and speed out of the backfield, particularly on outside runs.

You can see the juice he has on this run from practice on Tuesday where he got outside on the toss and sprinted upfield for a big gain.

McVay likes what he's seen from all of the Rams' running backs but he had particularly good things to say about Corum after Tuesday's practice.

"I think he's done a really good job," he said. "I thought he had some excellent runs today. I think he's had a really good camp. He's one of those guys that because of how conscientious he is, he's just going to improve into his second year. I think (RBs coach) Ron Gould does such a great job with that room as a whole."

RB Jarquez Hunter

Hunter is making some noise as a fourth-round rookie, showcasing his power and speed in training camp already. Offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur was asked about the impression Hunter has made in padded practices and his response was telling.

“Do you want to tackle him? I sure won’t," he said laughing.

McVay has called him a "heavy" runner, which is a perfect description of his running style. But he pairs that physicality with breakaway speed and deadly cuts. This run is a perfect example of that as he shakes off one tackler, puts his foot in the ground and cuts outside for a huge gain.

Here's more of what LaFleur said, praising the rookie running back.

"Man, this guy's got a great body lean to him. He's got a great demeanor back there. I don't know if he's mad at me or if he just likes football and wants the ball in his hands."

WR Puka Nacua

Training camp can often be about unheralded players making a name for themselves, which sometimes pushes stars to the side. However, based on reports out of LMU, Nacua has performed extremely well in practice. LaFleur believes he's in "the best shape he's been in since he's been here," which is cliché but also a testament to the work Nacua put in this offseason to build muscle and trim body fat.

In practice on Tuesday, Nacua made two of the best plays of camp so far. First, he elevated to make a spinning touchdown grab over Darious Williams. A little while later, he somehow hauled in a deep bomb from Jimmy Garoppolo where he was being dragged to the ground by Ahkello Witherspoon, who was called for pass interference.

Davante Adams might challenge him for targets as the No. 1 receiver, but Nacua is bound to make big plays consistently this season. He's already done that often in camp, especially this past week.

NT Poona Ford

Nose tackle isn't a flashy or exciting position but Ford has done exactly what the Rams brought him in to do: stop the run and pressure the quarterback. Since the pads came on Monday, he's been outstanding against the run.

Quentin Lake gave Ford his flowers after practice Tuesday, raving about the Rams' new defender when asked who has stood out against the run.

"Man, Poona," Lake said. "I know Kobie (Turner) talked about it when he was at the podium – as advertised. I'll say it again: as advertised, but a great addition. You just bring in guys not only that fit the culture but that just have an elite ability to do certain things. Poona is just a force to be reckoned with in the trenches."

Everyone from Lake and Kobie Turner to Sean McVay and Chris Shula has complimented Ford's play in camp and he really stood out with the pads on this week.

WR Konata Mumpfield

Mumpfield is well on his way to earning a spot on the Rams' 53-man roster as a seventh-round rookie, and he could even challenge for playing time in the regular season. According to reports from camp, he's been getting open consistently, which is a good way to get the ball thrown your way in practice.

While not the biggest or fastest receiver, Mumpfield wins by creating separation with precise route-running, similar to Davante Adams. In fact, Adams says Mumpfield has done some things in camp that have opened his eyes.

"I've seen stuff from even Konata since he's been out here that's opened my eyes, not necessarily like, ‘Oh my God, I've never seen that’, but it’s him changing up his pace and working through some things, seeing some of the errors and the trial and error I guess I could say," Adams said. "Even over the course of three practice days, how he can transform and go and kill some of our better corners on some amazing routes."

With the WR3 spot being fairly open, it's not out of the question for Mumpfield to earn snaps there this year. LaFleur has been impressed by him, too, saying he's "really excited" to see him play this season.

This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: Rams training camp: 6 standouts from 2nd week of practice

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