Even though the pads aren't on yet, the competition in training camp is heating up. The Los Angeles Rams held their second practice at LMU on Monday and a handful of players stood out in a positive way – including two young guys who are trying to make their mark on the 53-man roster.
Based on reports from camp, here are four players who performed well in Monday's practice.
WR CJ Daniels
The Rams traded up for Daniels in the sixth round of the draft this year and they may have found their latest Day 3 gem. The former Miami receiver drew high praise from reporters in attendance, as well as his head coach Sean McVay. Stu Jackson of TheRams.com noted that Daniels "caught just about every target thrown his way on Monday" while working with the second-team offense.
McVay said Daniels has "done a good job and called him a "mature rookie" with a "no-nonsense mentality." And with guys like Puka Nacua and Davante Adams to learn from, McVay likes the potential of the rookie wideout.
“So it's a great group, but I'm excited about CJ and he'll be another guy when you talk about the importance of the preseason, he'll be a guy I'm looking forward to watching play and obviously in these practice settings as well," McVay said.
CB Cam Lampkin
There's no questioning the Rams' talent atop the cornerback group with Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson, but they could use some depth. Lampkin is someone who could step up and earn a spot on the 53-man roster, which he was close to doing last year.
Beat reporters complimented Lampkin's play on Monday, the second straight day he's shined in the Rams secondary. He had an "impressive interception," as Jackson described it, on Monday, after also breaking up a pass in practice on Sunday.
He's certainly becoming a sleeper in the secondary behind McDuffie, Watson and Emmanuel Forbes Jr.
CB Cam Lampkin also deserves as shoutout for his impressive interception in practice today. Back-to-back practices he's stood out. https://t.co/tserNChJEQ
— Stu Jackson (@StuJRams) July 28, 2026
WR Puka Nacua
Nacua could probably be described as a standout every day but it appears he had a particularly strong practice on Monday. Several reporters in attendance mentioned Nacua's one-handed grab across the middle of the field on a throw just over McDuffie's arm as being the play of the day, with the wideout continuing to make difficult catches look easy.
Throw of the day already:
— 1st & Tuna 🏈 (@1standtuna) July 28, 2026
Stafford slight sidearm angle. Layers it over a leaping Trent McDuffie middle of the field.
Puka reels it in one-handed in stride.
😱😱😱
Nacua will be tested in practice more than usual this year because of the upgrades the Rams made in the secondary, adding McDuffie and Watson. No disrespect to the group Los Angeles had last season, but McDuffie and Watson are two terrific corners who will provide plenty of iron-sharpens-iron moments in practice.
QB Matthew Stafford
Stafford sat out the first practice of camp on Sunday as part of the Rams' modified approach to limit his workload, but he made his presence felt on Monday in his return. McVay said Stafford looked "pretty damn sharp" and had a "really good day," which is nothing new for the reigning MVP.
His best throw of the day might've been this deep shot to Nacua down the left sideline, laying it out perfectly for his receiver after he got behind Watson.
Matthew Stafford with a long pass to Puka Nacua during scrimmages🔥🔥🔥 #RamsHouse pic.twitter.com/CDhpj9AwhT
— Ethan Shirazi (@Ethanshirazi24) July 28, 2026
It'll be tough to repeat as league MVP, but there are no signs of Stafford slowing down this year.
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: 4 standouts from Day 2 of Rams training camp
