The Los Angeles Rams will rely heavily on their top two cornerbacks, Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson, throughout the 2026 season. Injuries happen and depth is needed, which is why it’s essential that the Rams develop starting-caliber corners behind them.
Emmanuel Forbes Jr. will likely be the first guy off the bench, and Cam Lampkin is turning heads in camp as a sleeper at cornerback. McDuffie was asked about both players this week and he raved about each of them.
He complimented their dedication to improving, always looking for ways to get better.
“They’re ballers. Each day my favorite part about them is that they want to get better,” McDuffie said. “They're taking notes in meetings. They're out here applying what we did in the classroom to the field.
Me and ‘Lamp’ were talking about nickel today and I watched him three reps in a row do exactly what I told him. Even though it may not have been perfect, you can see him trying. You see ‘E-Man’, his confidence is building. I think being around guys that trust you, guys that are going to build you up. There's not a single ego on this team that I have come across. It gives you this special place to want to get better, not only for yourself, but for the guys around you. Me wanting to get better for our offense and for the guys next to me is the same way ‘E’ and ‘Lamp’ want to get better. To make sure that when their time comes, if it ever comes, they're ready to step in that role and produce.”
Forbes was a starter for most of last season, playing 17 games and making 14 starts. He went through some rough patches as most players do, but he certainly turned his career around after struggling badly with the Commanders in his first two seasons.
Even with McDuffie and Watson in the mix now, Forbes figures to be the first guy off the bench when the Rams need someone to sub in on the outside. Lampkin could be close behind him, too – assuming he makes the 53-man roster.
Lampkin stood out early in camp and has been a bright spot in the secondary, making a strong case to earn a place on the initial regular-season roster. Even with McDuffie, Watson and Forbes, the Rams could use a fourth cornerback capable of playing on the outside; Quentin Lake and Josh Wallace are primarily slot guys.
Sean McVay also said this week that Forbes and Lampkin have both “done really nice jobs” in practice, complimenting the Rams’ two young cornerbacks, as well.
“Cam Lampkin is a guy that's got a great spirit,” McVay said Monday. “He's one of those guys that seems to always be in the right place at the right time. E-Man’s been awesome. You look at his top-tier plays, he's got the length. He's got the confidence to be able to come up and challenge guys. He can play visual and off. I've been really impressed with him.”
The Rams’ roster is by no means set, so there’s still time for Lampkin to secure a spot on the team this year after nearly making it last season. And if he stands out in the preseason the way he has in practice, it’ll be tough for the Rams to cut him.
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: Trent McDuffie raves about 2 Rams backup CBs: 'They're ballers'
