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NFL training camp notepad: Rams have outfitted Matthew Stafford to succeed — and maybe play a few years longer

charles robinson
Senior reporter
·2-min read

Yahoo Sports Senior NFL Reporter Charles Robinson is out on the road covering training camps. Today's stop: the Los Angeles Rams.

With a greatly improved offensive line (if healthy) and depth in the backfield, Matthew Stafford could have the best running game of his Rams tenure at his disposal. That should make the offense more balanced and difficult to defend. While that might not equate to Stafford putting up a career year in numbers, it may very well be the change that keeps him in the NFL for a few more seasons.

The top guys taken in the first three rounds of the draft are obvious, but this has been a staff that has hit on surprises and rebuilt parts of the roster in the latter rounds. Sixth-round wideout Jordan Whittington could fall into that category, with size and versatility that could carve out a Deebo Samuel-type role if he can stick around and develop. No, he’s not going to have a Puka Nacua impact off the jump, but he has interesting long-term possibility.

(Grant Thomas/Yahoo Sports)
(Grant Thomas/Yahoo Sports)

Third-string QB Stetson Bennett. After leaving the Rams to focus on his mental health last season, Bennett is back and should get plenty of run in the preseason games. He has to remind everyone in the organization why he was worth a 2023 fourth-round pick.

If he stays healthy, Kyren Williams will continue to be a fantasy beast for the Rams — even with the addition of rookie Blake Corum. Williams looks decisive and physical, and head coach Sean McVay gushes about him. He’s the clear No. 1 going into ’24.

After a season when there was some regret over the risk of not having experience behind Matthew Stafford on the depth chart, Jimmy Garoppolo gives the Rams the most accomplished and experienced veteran 1-2 QB depth chart in the league. To the tune of a remarkable $476.9 million in career NFL earnings between the tandem.

The staff is amped up about the early showing of free-agent addition Kamren Curl. With his ability to play both safety spots and slot corner, he’s going to give the staff an abundance of scheme versatility in the secondary. He’s got juice in practice … and it looks like the Rams got one of the best and most economical free agency additions with a two-year, $9 million contract.