5 players from the UFL Rams should consider for a tryout in training camp

Here are five players that the Rams should consider from the UFL heading into training camp?

Over the past couple of years, the UFL has been a good opportunity for young players looking for an opportunity to put out strong tape for NFL teams and earn a tryout. Last year, 21 players who were in the UFL in 2024 made an NFL roster or practice squad. Kicker Jake Bates and defensive lineman Jalen Redmond were two of the best examples. While the Los Angeles Rams didn’t explore the pipeline last season, there are a few players that could be worth exploring before the team begins training camp on July 22. Here are five players from the UFL that the Rams should consider.

1. QB Bryce Perkins

It wouldn’t hurt for the Rams to bring in some competition for Stetson Bennett as the third quarterback on the roster. Heading into year three, some would have expected Bennett to be in a position in which he could be trusted to be the backup behind Stafford. That hasn’t been the case and there’s a reason the Rams brought back Jimmy Garoppolo.

Perkins won the UFL’s MVP, displaying his ability to extend plays and use his legs. He had five rushing touchdowns to go with 269 rushing yards. Perkins was also the UFL’s most efficient passer, throwing for 1900 yards with 14 touchdowns and three interceptions. Typically, the Rams have brought in four quarterbacks during training camp to have two of them available for the preseason. Last year, that fourth quarterback was Dresser Winn. The benefit with Perkins is that he has experience in the Rams offense and ecosystem. While he was a raw passer during his time with the Rams, the UFL has allowed him to develop.

2. LB Olakunle Fatukasi

Like Perkins, Fatukasi is another player that has spent time with the Rams in recent years. While the Rams have improved at linebacker this offseason with the additions of Chris Paul Jr. and Shaun Dolac, it wouldn’t hurt to add players behind them. Fatukasi likely wouldn’t be a roster candidate, but could compete with Elias Neal and get stashed on the practice squad.

Fatukasi was a late cut by the St. Louis Battlehawks, but proved to be a solid rotational piece on defense and excellent special teams player. He was a sure-tackler on defense with a missed tackle rate of just 5.3 percent. Again, the Rams are deeper at linebacker than they have been in past years, but Fatukasi is familiar with the defense and may be worth a summer tryout.

3. OT Yasir Durant

It’s unlikely that an offensive lineman at the UFL level is going to start in the NFL. The position lacks depth at the NFL level and there is a huge drop off in offensive line play in the UFL. Still, the Rams could use some tackle depth as Alaric Jackson deals with blood clots. DJ Humphries and David Quessenberry were brought in as experienced options. However, the Rams could use a player that can compete for a practice squad position or end of the roster spot along with Trey Wedig and AJ Arcuri.

Durant is 27, but last spent time in the NFL with the Denver Broncos in 2023. At 6’7, 330-pounds, Durant was the highest-graded UFL tackle via PFF, taking 787 snaps on the left side. He had a pass-blocking grade of 81.9 and ranked second in run-blocking with a grade of 73.2. His size has helped him in the UFL and warrants a look. The Rams options at tackle are going to be limited at this point in the offseason.

4. RB Toa Taua

The Rams seem to have a very solid four at running back when it comes to Kyren Williams, Blake Corum, Jarquez Hunter, and Ronnie Rivers. This isn’t necessarily a position of need for the Rams and Taua isn’t an explosive player with speed. However, it’s hard not to like what Taua did for the Michigan Panthers this season. Taua hasn’t changed much from a play style perspective from his days at Nevada. This is a player that runs hard and physical. That’s a style of runner that the Rams are missing in the backfield.

Taua may not compete for a roster spot, but he can certainly compete with Cody Shrader for a place on the practice squad. He ranked third in missed tackles forced last season and had nine touchdowns. Taua also showed that he can have an impact in the passing game. He had an impressive 79.2 pass-blocking grade and showed an ability to catch passes out of the backfield. Toa was one of the best feel-good stories in the UFL this season and deserves a NFL tryout.

5. DL Kyon Barrs

The Rams’ strength on the roster is the defensive line, but that’s also a position group in which you can never have too much depth. It’s going to be hard for any player to break into that position group, but the Rams need players that they can stash on the practice squad if needed.

Barrs doesn’t have a lot of upside as a pass rusher, but as a 1T or 3T he has shown an ability to be a force in the run game. A former USC Trojan, Barrs is just 6’2, 290-pounds, but the Rams tend to go smaller on the defensive front. He spent last offseason with the Seattle Seahawks and has earned another spot on a NFL team this summer.