OFFICIAL 2026 Training Camp Thread

[BonifayRam]

Another thing that worries me is that we might lose Keenan to a game of numbers. No way we sneak him onto the practice squad


View: https://youtu.be/9kB3GRyvIyI

From what I know, seen & read on NT Keenan .... he will just take one.... or even two current DL'ers places on the 53 MR period....The need added mixture in our DL is a young tough large true NT.

The main DL'ers of Garrett/ Ford/ Turner & Fiske with improving Johnson, & Davis getting increased reps....Keenan III is the natural complete fit. ...then INJECT in a designated interior pass rusher like Aaron Donald???

Rookie DL'ers ....Payton Zdroik (#62) is interesting & lightning in a bottle. Looking forward to seeing more of (#98) what Jaxson Moi can tear up.

 

[Allen2McVay]

Warren McClendon is 25, with 15 starts and 30 games played over the past two seasons.

A.J. Arcuri is 29, with Zero starts and just 2 games played over the past three seasons.

I don’t see any comparison.

Arcuri’s role has been to be a Practice Squad player, who takes in-week practice snaps that allow veteran OL to rest during a very long season.

I can see that role continuing in 2026 but I can not imagine (without having nightmares) his role expanding.

 

[WestCoastRam]

I have seen mixed reviews on Keenan so far. Some are good while some are actually bad. His PFF score was bad and some posters here were not impressed with him either. I did not focus on him and have (will) not rewatched the game.

Yeah, these guys are homers of the first degree. Fun to watch when you know the guy is good but you can't really glean from them a real take if we don't know much about the player.

 

[WestCoastRam]

Arcuri’s role has been to be a Practice Squad player, who takes in-week practice snaps that allow veteran OL to rest during a very long season.

Pretty sure if he's getting snaps during practice it's on the scout team. There aren't any reps for him to give OL rest as those go to the guys in front of him.

 

[JonRam99]

From what I know, seen & read on NT Keenan .... he will just take one.... or even two current DL'ers places on the 53 MR period....The need added mixture in our DL is a young tough large true NT.

The main DL'ers of Garrett/ Ford/ Turner & Fiske with improving Johnson, & Davis getting increased reps....Keenan III is the natural complete fit. ...then INJECT in a designated interior pass rusher like Aaron Donald???

Rookie DL'ers ....Payton Zdroik (#62) is interesting & lightning in a bottle. Looking forward to seeing more of (#98) what Jaxson Moi can tear up.

At 1:11, look how big this kid is next to Limmer:

View: https://youtu.be/sgtr9MVkM2k?si=wHOS8EOkepZntrgw

 

[Allen2McVay]

Pretty sure if he's getting snaps during practice it's on the scout team. There aren't any reps for him to give OL rest as those go to the guys in front of him.

McVay rests veterans.

For example, Havenstein regularly received a weekly rest day throughout the 2024 and 2025 seasons.
It was always a part of the mid-week Injury Report ... "Havenstein did not practice ... Rest Day"

Arcuri was in there for Havenstein.

 

[WestCoastRam]

McVay rests veterans.

For example, Havenstein regularly received a weekly rest day throughout the 2024 and 2025 seasons.
It was always a part of the mid-week Injury Report ... "Havenstein did not practice ... Rest Day"

Arcuri was in there for Havenstein.

Oh yes, this happens. But wouldn't McClendon and Noteboom be the one's taking the snaps? (I can't quite be bothered to go back those years and see who the primary backups were).

My point being, Arcuri's always been far enough down the depth chart - and there's so very few snaps to be had during the week - that I think his snaps would have come on the scout team. In fact, my hunch is that his value has always been as a scout team player with some other marginal utility as a backup thrown in.

 

[Allen2McVay]

Oh yes, this happens. But wouldn't McClendon and Noteboom be the one's taking the snaps? (I can't quite be bothered to go back those years and see who the primary backups were).

My point being, Arcuri's always been far enough down the depth chart - and there's so very few snaps to be had during the week - that I think his snaps would have come on the scout team. In fact, my hunch is that his value has always been as a scout team player with some other marginal utility as a backup thrown in.

I really don't see it that way at all.
Think you are over-emphasizing the role and importance of the "scout" team.

Think the in-season weekly practices are about the offense vs. defense ... starters, with reserves rotated in; and veterans seeing minimal snaps.

As far as Noteboom, he wasn't with the Rams last year; and in 2024. he went on the IR in September, and only played in four games.

Guess it doesn't matter ... my Primary Point was that Arcuri is not a starting or 3rd offensive tackle option.
If he is ...

 

[PARAM]

I don't disagree, but how many QB's get drafted at 13 to a team that has the reigning MVP at QB and is favored to win the SB? Do the Rams hinge that kind of expectation on a rookie? If they do, it will speak volumes about him.

This is the first time. There have been 5 teams who drafted a QB in the first round with a SB winning QB on the roster. Baltimore (Lamar/Flacco); NY Giants (D.Jones/Manning); Green Bay (Love/Rodgers); Pittsburgh (Pickett/Roethlisberger) and now the Rams (Simpson/Stafford). The Packers and Rams are the only teams with a SB winning QB and MVP.

In the last 10 drafts, 34 QBs have been taken in the first round by 26 teams. Arizona, NY Giants, Washington, Houston, NY Jets and New England have drafted a QB in the first round twice. Chicago has 3 times. Seattle, N. Orleans, Tampa, Detroit, Dallas and Philly haven't drafted a 1st round QB in the last 10 drafts.

Of the 34 teams, 25 were coming off a losing season. 22 were coming off a double digit losing season. 18 were coming off consecutive losing seasons.
There have been 4 teams coming off two consecutive winning seasons. Houston and Kansas City back in 2017, Pittsburgh in 2022 and the Rams this year. The Rams and KC are the only two teams drafting a 1st round QB coming off two 10 win seasons and the Rams the only team coming off three 10 win seasons.

7 of the previous 32 first round QBs weren't the starter their rookie season. Mahomes, Lamar, Haskins, Love, Lance, McCarthy and Penix (he started last 3 weeks of 2024). Simpson should join those first 6 this year.

So as you can see, it is an extremely unique and rare situation Ty Simpson has come into this year.

 

[Noregar]

I really don't see it that way at all.
Think you are over-emphasizing the role and importance of the "scout" team.

Think the in-season weekly practices are about the offense vs. defense ... starters, with reserves rotated in; and veterans seeing minimal snaps.

As far as Noteboom, he wasn't with the Rams last year; and in 2024. he went on the IR in September, and only played in four games.

Guess it doesn't matter ... my Primary Point was that Arcuri is not a starting or 3rd offensive tackle option.
If he is ...
View attachment 76656

Up until Saturday I thought he was probably camp fodder but with him being held out of the first preseason game that potentially tells us something different. IF he does not play against the Saints and Chargers then his roster spot is likely secure making him the third or even the primary option as backup LT. I'm just reading the tea leaves.

Warren McClendon is 25, with 15 starts and 30 games played over the past two seasons.

A.J. Arcuri is 29, with Zero starts and just 2 games played over the past three seasons.

I don’t see any comparison.

The comparison is that both are home grown day 3 picks who struggled when given real game reps. McClendon had the higher floor and has played a lot more and developed faster and better but I still had serious reservations about him at the beginning of last year after seeing his poor 2024 performances, especially at LT.

 

[Merlin]

Now add in the loss of the Rams top drafted & badly needed OL'er ...OT Keagen Trost leg injury, missing the rest of pre season & even more the loss of the critical playing time for a rookie, just adds into the concern mix here.... then throw the negative ongoing OT Jackson SAGA on that heap.......

I don't see Trost as an OT at this level. Really think he's going to slide into the guard depth chart. In fact I figure he's going to replace Avila. If the Rams agree, then putting him on the IR makes sense. Stash him to start off the season as the OG depth looks solid.

Sorta makes me wonder if the Thursday practice with the Saints is going to happen.

Are you under the impression the Rams are going to "cancel" the Saints for daring to attack the poor Cowboys roster? Because that makes zero sense to me. Fortunately the Rams are not yet run by cancel culture children.

I have seen mixed reviews on Keenan so far. Some are good while some are actually bad. His PFF score was bad and some posters here were not impressed with him either. I did not focus on him and have (will) not rewatched the game.

He was moved all over the joint with doubles. Looked prone to end up on the ground (i.e. won't be helpful vs outside zone type schemes). Now granted I was at the bar so maybe I missed him dominating. But to me he looked like a fat dude who is gonna have a hard time unseating the other depth.

And I'd love to be wrong because I love me a fatass space eating NT down there in the middle of my run defense. That was a major problem last season when Ford went down, so if Keenan can't help us there we're gonna need to hope Ford stays healthy.

 

[Allen2McVay]

Up until Saturday I thought he was probably camp fodder but with him being held out of the first preseason game that potentially tells us something different. IF he does not play against the Saints and Chargers then his roster spot is likely secure making him the third or even the primary option as backup LT. I'm just reading the tea leaves.

Maybe. Maybe not. Guess we will see.

Arcuri could have also been held-out simply because the Rams know exactly what he is and what he offers. Even if he doesn't play the next 2 games, it could mean he is released in the cut-down to 53, pass through waivers and then re-signed to the Practice Squad to fill the identical role he has filled the prior 2 years.

Much more telling to me (than Arcuri not dressing) was undrafted free agent Austin Blaske plaing almost the entire game. That suggests the Rams wanted to see what they have there. Same with Keagen Trost, who I am guessing would have played a lot if he didn't suffer a hamstring injury.

The comparison is that both are home grown day 3 picks who struggled when given real game reps. McClendon had the higher floor and has played a lot more and developed faster and better but I still had serious reservations about him at the beginning of last year after seeing his poor 2024 performances, especially at LT.

We simply disagree on this point.

I thought McClendon was really good in his ten Regular Season starts last year. Unfortnately, not as effective in the playoffs.

Again, my primary point (from my original post) is that ... unlike some of my fellow ROD posters ... I don't see anything in A.J. Arcuri beyond a useful practice-squad / in-season-practice player to keep veterans rested.

 

[majrleaged]

Maybe. Maybe not. Guess we will see.

Arcuri could have also been held-out simply because the Rams know exactly what he is and what he offers. Even if he doesn't play the next 2 games, it could mean he is released in the cut-down to 53, pass through waivers and then re-signed to the Practice Squad to fill the identical role he has filled the prior 2 years.

Much more telling to me (than Arcuri not dressing) was undrafted free agent Austin Blaske plaing almost the entire game. That suggests the Rams wanted to see what they have there. Same with Keagen Trost, who I am guessing would have played a lot if he didn't suffer a hamstring injury.


We simply disagree on this point.

I thought McClendon was really good in his ten Regular Season starts last year. Unfortnately, not as effective in the playoffs.

Again, my primary point (from my original post) is that ... unlike some of my fellow ROD posters ... I don't see anything in A.J. Arcuri beyond a useful practice-squad / in-season-practice player to keep veterans rested.

Why waste reps on a guy your know exactly what he is. Agreed

 

[Memphis Ram]

Are you under the impression the Rams are going to "cancel" the Saints for daring to attack the poor Cowboys roster? Because that makes zero sense to me. Fortunately the Rams are not yet run by cancel culture children.

Why would the Rams cancel the practice? My concern was with the Saints possibly cancelling the practice. From what I understand there were a few injuries.

 

[BonifayRam]

I don't see Trost as an OT at this level. Really think he's going to slide into the guard depth chart. In fact I figure he's going to replace Avila. If the Rams agree, then putting him on the IR makes sense. Stash him to start off the season as the OG depth looks solid.

In agreement fully with your opinion on where OL'er Keagen Trost will end up starting.

He was an very good College RT for many seasons with different teams. In my review of his playing history ...I do not see a starting NFL LT in him. To make matters more concerning for me here, I do not see any traits of a reserve Swing OT in him either.

If the Rams go heavy (and they should) with with a new contract for RT Warren McClendon in 6 months ......then Trost's only real future starting OL position next season would be @ LG.

My position is for this Ram team is to at least secure & cut down the concern on the Ram's future starting & reserves OT positions.

Having OT Warren McClendon with a new contract & inserted in one OT position for a long period of time would be a very smart move. I know its very early NOW, but Rookie Austin Blaske appears to be the best on roster prospective Swing OT going into the future.

 

[Memento]

Probably between him and Hamilton. Seemed like I noticed Hamilton more in the Chiefs game but wasn't paying super close attention to players.

Noticed Hamilton more in bad ways. Missed a lot of tackles, didn't get much pressure, was moved off the ball a fair bit (not nose tackle material). Didn't really notice Keenan, which could be good or bad. Honestly, I wouldn't be surprised if Hamilton was cut. It would suck, giving up on someone we traded a future fourth for, but he really hasn't proven anything.

Now Wesley Bailey, on the other hand, seriously impressed me. Most noticeable defensive player in the whole game, got pressure consistently and nearly got home a few times. If we do keep five edge rushers, I want Bailey to be one of those five. He could be special; the only reason he wasn't on the radar was because he was stuck at Rutgers before transferring to Louisville and didn't have much exposure in high school because he's Canadian (Ottawa native, actually). His athletic score is extremely impressive as well. Absolute athlete and if molded a bit, he could really be something in this league.

 

[Spider2YB]

Why would the Rams cancel the practice? My concern was with the Saints possibly cancelling the practice. From what I understand there were a few injuries.

yeah our joint practice with the Chargers last year got cancelled because both teams were pretty beat up

 

[WestCoastRam]

I don't see Trost as an OT at this level. Really think he's going to slide into the guard depth chart. In fact I figure he's going to replace Avila. If the Rams agree, then putting him on the IR makes sense. Stash him to start off the season as the OG depth looks solid.

How do you think this statement jives with where the Rams have been practicing him and where they list him on the depth chart.

 

[Memento]

Noticed Hamilton more in bad ways. Missed a lot of tackles, didn't get much pressure, was moved off the ball a fair bit (not nose tackle material). Didn't really notice Keenan, which could be good or bad. Honestly, I wouldn't be surprised if Hamilton was cut. It would suck, giving up on someone we traded a future fourth for, but he really hasn't proven anything.

Now Wesley Bailey, on the other hand, seriously impressed me. Most noticeable defensive player in the whole game, got pressure consistently and nearly got home a few times. If we do keep five edge rushers, I want Bailey to be one of those five. He could be special; the only reason he wasn't on the radar was because he was stuck at Rutgers before transferring to Louisville and didn't have much exposure in high school because he's Canadian (Ottawa native, actually). His athletic score is extremely impressive as well. Absolute athlete and if molded a bit, he could really be something in this league.

Addendum to this post:

No, Bailey wasn't perfect in this game. He lost contain a few times, and the running QBs of the Chiefs - and even Nussmeier - made him pay for that. He can't afford to do that in games.

But the athleticism is there, the ability to get pressure is there, and he's still very raw for an edge rusher. Lots of potential, and he showed it. I prefer him a lot over Kier Thomas.

And on that note, I'm glad we're keeping Eddie Walls III as well. He has potential, too. Liked his tape at Houston. He's not the athlete that Bailey is, but he doesn't have to have it to be valuable because he's been productive in all of his stops and has been a solid run-stopper.

 

[dieterbrock]

In agreement fully with your opinion on where OL'er Keagen Trost will end up starting.

He was an very good College RT for many seasons with different teams. In my review of his playing history ...I do not see a starting NFL LT in him. To make matters more concerning for me here, I do not see any traits of a reserve Swing OT in him either.

If the Rams go heavy (and they should) with with a new contract for RT Warren McClendon in 6 months ......then Trost's only real future starting OL position next season would be @ LG.

My position is for this Ram team is to at least secure & cut down the concern on the Ram's future starting & reserves OT positions.

Having OT Warren McClendon with a new contract & inserted in one OT position for a long period of time would be a very smart move. I know its very early NOW, but Rookie Austin Blaske appears to be the best on roster prospective Swing OT going into the future.

I know its been said already but bears repeating that its so great to see you posting here again.