If the Los Angeles Rams are going to make a run at the playoffs this season, they’re going to need their rookies to step up as starters and key rotational players. Obviously, Matthew Stafford, Cooper Kupp and Aaron Donald will need to stay healthy, too, but with so many rookies on the roster, the Rams are counting on those players to rise to the occasion.
It’s early, but Ernest Jones has been impressed by the rookie class. During an interview on Inside Rams Camp, Jones mentioned a couple of first-year players who have stood out to him in practice: Tre’Vius Hodges-Tomlinson and Byron Young.
He also loves the job the rookie defensive linemen have done thus far.
“You got Tomlinson, the cornerback. I love the way he’s playing,” Jones said. “That entire D-line – like, they couldn’t have drafted or picked a bunch of undrafted guys that could truly come in and step in and help you right off the bat. All these guys are showing me sparks. Byron Young is really impressive. Love watching him play, so I’m excited about all of them.”
Hodges-Tomlinson was a sixth-rounder, so he has some work to do if he’s going to be a significant contributor this season. Young was the Rams’ second pick, going in the third round out of Tennessee. He’s already getting first-team reps and could help Los Angeles right away as a pass rusher.
Even on a team with as little experience as the Rams, the rookies will need to earn their spots on this roster come September. Fortunately, it sounds like they’re off to a good start.
