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The Los Angeles Rams have one of the strongest starting lineups in football, but to win a Super Bowl, 22 quality players isn’t enough. You need depth for when injuries inevitably occur.
Some of the Rams’ top backups would likely be considered starters for other teams, showing just how deep Los Angeles’ roster goes. Bill Barnwell of ESPN highlighted two Rams players he sees as backups, naming them to his “All-Backup Team” for 2026, which consists of second-stringers from around the league.
At tight end, Barnwell picked Terrance Ferguson as one of the top backups in the NFL, along with Jackson Hawes, Joe Royer and Eli Stowers. At defensive tackle, Barnwell made an interesting choice with Poona Ford, who’s technically a starter for the Rams in the middle of their line. The other defensive linemen chosen were Adetomiwa Adebawore, Cory Durden and Eyioma Uwazurike.
Not a surprise that we would grab a tight end from a team with five viable options and a defensive lineman from the league's deepest and most terrifying unit. Ferguson showed real verticality when the Rams went with multi-tight-end sets last season, and this would be a bet on a potential breakout sophomore season from the former second-round pick. Ford has been a solid player for a long time, combining reliable run defense with a surprisingly deep pass-rush arsenal, highlighted by one of the league's best spin moves.
Ferguson wasn’t a starter last season but he could very well be one this year. Tight end is notorious for being a difficult position to learn in the NFL, especially in an offense as complex as Sean McVay’s. Ferguson also missed time in camp with an injury, which delayed his progression, as well.
Heading into Year 2, with no clear-cut third option in the passing game, Ferguson is a strong candidate to step up and be Matthew Stafford’s No. 3 target. He excelled out of the slot last season, particularly when running downfield routes, but he didn’t get the chance to use his run-after-catch ability much last year. That should be on display more in 2026.
As for Ford, he’s an absolute anchor in the middle of the D-line. He’s obviously terrific as a run stopper, but he offers a lot as a pass rusher, too. He had 34 pressures last season, which was 31 more than Bobby Brown III had the year prior from the same position.
We could be hearing more of Ferguson and Ford’s names this season, especially if the Rams play deep into the postseason.
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: 2 Rams players make ESPN's 'All-Backup Team' for 2026
