Sean McVay did something unconventional this spring: he canceled the on-field portion of mandatory minicamp. Players still showed up for meetings and playbook sessions, but the Rams effectively fast-forwarded to training camp evaluations. That decision didn’t erase the roster crunch — it just sharpened it for the guys on the fringe.
Los Angeles enters 2026 with a roster built for contention. Trent McDuffie upgrades the secondary, Ty Simpson sits behind Matthew Stafford as a long-term project, and the core remains intact from a team that believes it can make noise in January. But contending rosters don’t just need stars — they need 53 guys who can contribute on Sunday. For a handful of players, that math is getting tight.
Brennan Presley’s Slot Reality Check
Brennan Presley signed a reserve/future deal after a stint on the practice squad, and on paper, he fits the mold of a slippery slot receiver who could create mismatches. Quick feet, productive college tape, undersized frame — the kind of player who turns heads in preseason. The problem? The Rams already have Puka Nacua, Davante Adams, and Jordan Whittington locked into the receiver rotation. Behind them, Konata Mumpfield, CJ Daniels, Xavier Smith, Tyler Scott, Mario Williams, and Tru Edwards are all competing for limited spots.
Presley’s path doesn’t run through offensive snaps alone. He needs to prove he can separate underneath, handle motion assignments, and — most importantly — contribute on special teams. McVay has historically valued receivers who understand spacing and blocking, but that only gets you so far in a crowded room. If Presley can’t carve out a role as a returner or a gadget option, the practice squad is the likely destination. According to team insiders, his best bet is making the coaching staff see him as more than just another developmental slot.
Elias Neal’s Linebacker Logjam
Inside linebacker presents a similar bottleneck. Omar Speights is positioned for a larger role, Nathan Landman and Grant Stuard bring veteran experience, and rookies like Nikhai Hill-Green are entering the mix. Elias Neal, re-signed on a reserve/future contract, has the athletic traits but faces a brutal numbers game. For backup linebackers, special teams reliability often separates the keepers from the cuts.
Neal’s clearest route to a roster spot is proving he can be one of the Rams’ most dependable coverage players. The defense has enough talent up front to make life easier for linebackers, but that also raises the standard — hesitation or missed assignments become unforgivable when the defensive line is creating pressure. Every preseason snap is effectively a job interview.
He doesn’t need to become a starter. He needs to execute clean run fits, tackle consistently, and communicate without hesitation. If he looks interchangeable with the other depth linebackers, the decision becomes simple — and not in his favor.
The Bottom Line on the Bubble
The Rams aren’t in the business of feel-good stories. They’re chasing a championship, which means the final roster spots go to players who can help on game day. Presley needs to flash value as a returner and gadget weapon. Neal needs to lock down a special teams role. If either fails to make that case, the cutdown line is waiting. The margin between making the 53 and hitting the practice squad is razor-thin — and both players are walking it right now.
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