Dec 18, 2025; Seattle, Washington, USA; Los Angeles Rams tight end Terrance Ferguson (18) runs to score a touchdown against Seattle Seahawks safety Nick Emmanwori (3) in the first half at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Ng-Imagn Images Kevin Ng-Imagn Images

3 Young Players Who Rams Must Play More

Originally posted on Los Angeles Rams on SI
By Jared Feinberg | Last updated Dec 22, 2025 9:00 AM ET

The Los Angeles Rams may have suffered a tough road loss in Seattle this week, but they still have their sights aimed at the ultimate goal of a championship back in Southern California. At 11-4, the Rams have had to make a significant change to their coaching staff in the middle of the season, which they're hoping can resolve the issues they have been having on special teams.

Los Angeles is leaning on a mixture of youth and experience on both sides of the ball, but as key positions continue to suffer from some aspects of inconsistency, the Rams must consider playing their younger talents at these key spots. With that in mind, let's look at three players who must be playing more down the stretch.

Roger McCreary, cornerback

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McCreary has not played a game since Week 12 after suffering a groin and hip injury while being placed on injured reserve. However, should he get healthy in time for the final two games of the season and playoffs, it could be an installment of youth for the Rams secondary.

The Rams need consistency at cornerback, and the fact that McCreary is unproven for the team is concerning, but they cannot keep putting Emmanuel Forbes and Darious Williams in compromising situations. If McCreary does enough to impress when he returns, he could be a key role player this postseason.

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If you have followed my work here this season, you'll know I am a big fan of Ferguson's potential in the Rams offense. He made some great plays in Thursday's loss to the Seahawks, showcasing another example of the need to not just play him more but to feed him a wealth of targets in the passing game, something the former Oregon standout is more than prepared to do.

Ferguson is currently the F-move end in 13 personnel, adjusting or motioning out wide to create confusion and mismatches. His ball skills, athleticism, and route-running are valuable and will be so during the playoff three weeks from now.

Shaun Dolac, linebacker

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I'm going to be out in the open on this, but Omar Speights is not consistent enough to be a reliable player in critical spots for the Rams second-level defense. If this team is true to their word on getting their young players involved, it's time to start seeing rookie and preseason standout Dolac on the field.

Is he ready? When watching his film from the team's 17-3 win in Baltimore this year, Dolac was playing all over the field and making plays when he needed to. He's a physical tackler for his size and is not afraid to get muddy in the trenches while providing value in pass coverage, signalling to me he is more than ready to take up the mantle next to Nate Landman for the rest of the way.

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