The Rams’ top young players and assets that could shape the team’s future.
In the NFL, having top young talent doesn’t carry quite the same long-term impact as it does in sports like baseball or hockey. Still, a promising young core can be a strong indicator of a team’s future outlook. During the early years of Les Snead’s time with the Los Angeles Rams, the roster was loaded with emerging talent. That trend shifted as the team began trading draft capital and assets in pursuit of a Super Bowl title.
Pro Football Focus recently released its ranking of the top 25 players under 25 years old. Puka Nacua has been featured on this list the last two years while Jared Verse made his debut. That sparked a closer look at who the Rams’ most promising young players are. For this exercise, we’ll expand the criteria slightly—focusing on players who are either under 25 or in their first three NFL seasons.
1. EDGE Jared Verse
The fact that Verse plays a premier position and is on a rookie contract for the next three years makes him the most important asset. He is just 24 years old and won the NFL’s Defensive Rookie of the Year. Said Jonathon Macri of PFF,
“The reigning Defensive Rookie of the Year finished the 2024 season with 89 quarterback pressures — the most in the league — and managed a top-10 PFF grade in all three major defensive categories for the position (overall, run defense and pass rush). Verse also generated the fifth-most PFF WAR (0.42) for his position, putting him in elite company alongside Myles Garrett and T.J. Watt.”
Verse entered the conversation last season as one of the top edge rushers in the NFL. If he continues on his current development path, he could become one of the elite players at the position. The Rams have him on a rookie deal for the next four years and that makes him extremely valuable. Right now, the Rams are getting Verse at $3.7 million per year. When he signs his second contract, he will likely command more than $40 million.
2. WR Puka Nacua
Nacua will enter his age 24 season, but has two years remaining on his rookie contract. After a strong rookie campaign, Nacua solidified himself as a top-5 wide receiver in the NFL last season. Despite an injury, he still led the league in yards per route run. Said Macri on Nacua,
“Through two seasons, Nacua has delivered a 92.4 PFF receiving grade and 2.92 yards per route run — both of which lead all qualifying players for this list and rank second among all players overall during that span. Even though he missed time with injuries in 2024, Nacua made the most of his opportunities, leading the position in PFF receiving grade (92.6) and yards per route run (3.23) as 2024’s most efficient receiver.”
The Rams made one thing abundantly clear this offseason when they moved on from Cooper Kupp. That message was that the future of the offense runs through Nacua.
3. 2026 Falcons 1st Round Pick
While this isn’t technically a player, the 2026 first round pick that the Rams received from the Atlanta Falcons may be the most valuable non-player asset in Les Snead’s possession. That is something that can be used to acquire a star player or as a piece to move up and get a quarterback in the 2026 NFL Draft.
In four of the past five drafts, the Falcons have picked inside the top-10. Quarterback Michael Penix played well at the end of last year, but the Falcons are a team with a lot of questions. The fact that the Rams are in a competitive state and have multiple first round picks next year gives them a lot of flexibility. That’s part of what makes this such an important future asset. Whether traded away or used next year, the player acquired is going to be a big piece of what the Rams do over the next five seasons.
4. iOL Steve Avila
Steve Avila may not have had the season that many would have expected in year two. It is certainly worth noting that the Rams offensive line was in a massive state of flux last summer. Avila started the offseason at center before moving to left guard. He also dealt with injuries. The step back didn’t come without cause.
Despite the sophomore slump, Avila is still a big part of what the Rams want to do on offense. He unlocks so much of what Sean McVay is able to call in the run game and his mobility is an asset in the screen game. Avila is going to continue to be a cornerstone of the interior offensive line.
5. TE Terrance Ferguson
This list has to include the most recent top pick by the Rams. While Ferguson may not have been a Tyler Warren or Colston Loveland level of prospect, he is going to be an integral of what the Rams do on offense. Ideally, he’s able to unlock some more 12 personnel looks for McVay and slot into some of what Cooper Kupp did as a big slot player.
Not only will Ferguson help unlock what the Rams want to achieve on offense, but he’s also the future at tight end behind Tyler Higbee. Higbee is on the final year of his contract in 2025. That leaves Ferguson as the team’s top tight end in 2026 and beyond. The hope here is that he is able to develop quickly.
6. S Kam Kinchens
A major reason why Kinchens makes this list is because despite going into year two, he is one of the three youngest players on the Rams roster. Only Terrance Ferguson and Jarquez Hunter are younger. That makes him one of the more valuable pieces on the Rams defense, especially in the secondary.
Kinchens showed some playmaking ability in the secondary last season. He had four interceptions and an interception returned for a touchdown. With Quentin Lake and Kam Curl set to hit free agency next year, a lot will be expected of Kinchens heading into year two and three. Historically, the Rams haven’t paid safeties. He is a big part of the future in the Rams secondary.
7. OT Warren McClendon
While Kyren Williams could make some sense in this final slot, he is in the final year of his contract. There’s also no guarantee that he gets an extension. Williams is a fine running back, but likely not a player worth an extension over $12 million per year. That leaves Warren McClendon. Heading into the 2025 draft, there was some speculation that the Rams may prioritize the tackle position, specifically on the right side. Instead, they passed on the position altogether.
Rob Havenstein will be a free agent in 2026 and could retire. The Rams could draft or sign a tackle next year. However, they tend to stick in-house when it makes sense on the offensive line. McClendon will be going into year three and has been up-and-down in limited opportunities. It’s very possible that he is the right tackle of the future, but it’s something that the Rams have to figure out soon.
