​The Los Angeles Rams entered the 2026 offseason with a roster that didn’t require a flurry of new faces, yet they made three major splashes with Trent McDuffie, Myles Garrett, and Jaylen Watson. These players are the new playmakers the team hopes to lean on this season. Still, the Rams’ foundation remains solid, and with fresh faces and evolving strategies, three promising stars are ready to make their mark as training camp opens.
Kinchens often attracts less attention because his stat sheet isn’t filled with eye-popping numbers. That isn’t because he’s average; it’s a testament to his exceptional positioning and the fact that opponents frequently choose to throw away from him. With McDuffie and Watson patrolling the Rams’ secondary, along with the steady presence of Quentin Lake and Kam Curl, Kinchens should have more opportunities to make plays on the ball. He also thrives when he’s closer to the line of scrimmage, which could give him increased chances to be aggressive. That combination puts Kinchens in a favorable position to demonstrate his impact and potentially cash in a contract extension when his negotiating window opens.
Not only is Garrett among the elite pass rushers in the league, he stands out as an all-around disruptor on the defensive line, contributing as much to the base run defense as to pressuring quarterbacks. Opponents previously used heavier personnel to lean on the run against the Rams, and even when the run wasn’t consistently effective, play-action found success because the Rams’ base defense couldn’t generate a reliable rush. Garrett changes that dynamic, offering a more versatile front that can disrupt both run and pass plays.
Speights showed promise as a rookie, demonstrating the ability to cover effectively even when not left on an island. Garrett’s presence already shortens the time adversaries have to throw, and his impact against the run should funnel ball carriers right into Speights’ grasp. To prevent the ball from reaching Garrett, offenses will be forced to a path that increases Speights’ opportunities to make consistent tackles and create plays.
Forbes enjoyed a redemptive 2025, transforming the narrative of his career from a disappointing first-round pick to a reliable, functional CB1 who can operate as a solid CB2. With the pressure of being an everyday starter alleviated, the Rams will have the flexibility to deploy Forbes in a variety of ways. That versatility could be enhanced further if McDuffie slides into the slot or into safety, allowing Forbes to operate with fewer limitations. Forbes forced the Seahawks to rethink their approach, delivering strong performances against top receivers like Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Rashid Shaheed in one-on-one coverage. With additional support, Forbes should gain the confidence to be more aggressive, particularly on underneath throws. Given Garrett’s impact and the overall improvement of the defensive line, Forbes could emerge as a pivotal figure in turning quick passes into interceptions.
This analysis originally appeared on Rams Wire: 3 promising playmakers for the Rams entering training camp, highlighting the team’s potential impact and SEO-friendly framing for readers seeking early-season insights.