Aug 9, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Rams running back Jarquez Hunter (35) carries the ball past Dallas Cowboys linebacker James Houston (53) during the second half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

3 Players Who Need Strong Showings at Rams OTAs

Originally posted on Los Angeles Rams on SI
By Brock Vierra | Last updated Apr 3, 2026 4:32 PM ET

WOODLAND HILLS, Ca. The Los Angeles Rams have announced their offseason schedule, and while OTAs or offseason training activities are not typically a period used for evaluation, it can often set up big-time showings in training camp.

These three players are fighting for their futures and need a strong OTAs to springboard them into productive roles come fall.

1. Emmanuel Forbes

Forbes had a strong showing in OTAs last year, which led to a stronger showing in training camp that would help his career rebound. Forbes had himself a year last season and while he is entering his fourth campaign, I'll make the argument that this is his third true NFL season.

Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

He had a tough rookie campaign, which was hampered by the dysfunction of the franchise, dysfunction that allowed the Rams to snag Kam Curl on a steal. Forbes had a lot going for him then but his environment has changed. His most vocal supporter in Aubrey Pleasant is gone, the Rams signed Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson to mega-deals ensuring that they're the starters, and it's unknown if the Rams will continue with their three-man rotation.

This is where Forbes needs to prove what he's about in order to force the rotation and to get on the field. Since this is essentially his third season, after his second season was a disaster, where Forbes was caught up in a regime change, he could be on the verge of a third-year breakthrough. Not bad for a guy whose first two years in the NFL were ruined.

2. Konata Mumpfield

Mumpfield has a similar course to Forbes, eventually becoming the team's WR3. The problem is that Mumpfield wasn't able to do enough to secure the position with the limited targets he got. This is a new year and I watched him dominate when he was allowed to play free.

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With a deeper understanding of the playbook, I expect the freedom and the production to return. Despite that, the position is up for grabs, and while Mumpfield has the easiest path to securing the role, he still has to go get the job done.

3. Jarquez Hunter

Hunter had zero carries in 2025 and was unable to establish himself on Special Teams as a rookie. The Rams already re-signed Ronnie Rivers for the Special Teams unit, while Kyren Williams and Blake Corum return so that they can be the team's 1-2 punch.

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Where does that leave Hunter? What role could he have? It seems like a situation that Hunter will need to force the Rams to play him by simply dominating.

This article first appeared on Los Angeles Rams on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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