Since Sean McVay took over as head coach in 2017, the Los Angeles Rams have quietly become one of the NFL’s most consistent pipelines for undrafted talent.
Whether it’s special teams aces, starting-caliber defenders, or developmental players who eventually earned contracts elsewhere, the Rams have built a reputation for turning overlooked prospects into contributors.
Here’s a breakdown of the most impactful UDFAs from the McVay era.
Los Angeles Rams UDFA History
Johnny Mundt (TE, 2017 – Oregon)
Mundt spent five seasons with the Los Angeles Rams, appearing in 47 games and starting 3. While never a featured pass catcher, he played a critical role as a blocking tight end in McVay’s run-heavy packages.
His consistency and versatility earned him a multi-year deal with the Minnesota Vikings in 2022, following Kevin O’Connell, and he’s now with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Kendall Blanton (TE, 2019 – Missouri)
Blanton played sparingly in the regular season but came up big during the Rams’ Super Bowl LVI run, posting 7 catches for 75 yards and a touchdown in the postseason.
He later spent time with Kansas City and Washington, showcasing the Rams’ ability to prep depth players for big moments.
Troy Reeder (LB, 2019 – Delaware)
Perhaps the best UDFA success story from the McVay era, Reeder started 25 games over three seasons in his first stint with the Los Angeles Rams. He was a starter during their 2021 Super Bowl season and returned to LA after a year in LA with the Chargers.
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Reeder has over 300 career tackles and proved he could start in both base and nickel packages.
Michael Hoecht (DL/OLB, 2020 – Brown)
Originally signed as a 3-4 defensive end, Hoecht transitioned to outside linebacker in 2022 and has since become a versatile force on the edge. He started 17 games in 2023, tallying 81 tackles and 6 sacks.
His play earned him a free agent deal with the Buffalo Bills ahead of the 2025 season.
Bryce Perkins (QB, 2020 – Virginia)
Though not a long-term starter, Perkins served as a backup and started a game during the Los Angeles Rams’ injury-plagued 2022 season. His dual-threat ability kept the offense afloat in a tough stretch, and his development within the Rams’ system gave him future opportunities to compete for backup roles elsewhere.
He’s currently the reigning MVP in the UFL.
Christian Rozeboom (LB, 2020 – South Dakota State)
After bouncing between the Los Angeles Rams and Chiefs practice squads, Rozeboom emerged in 2023 with 79 tackles and 5 starts. He took another leap in 2024, leading the team with 135 tackles.
That production landed him a contract with the Carolina Panthers in 2025. He’s a prime example of a late bloomer who developed into a reliable starter in LA’s system.
Alaric Jackson (OL, 2021 – Iowa)
Jackson made the roster as a rookie and has since started 35 games, including every one in 2024. He’s played multiple spots on the offensive line and helped stabilize a unit that went through major injuries.
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Jackson re-signed with the Rams this offseason and is expected to continue starting at left tackle after returning from blood clots, likely in the winter.
Omar Speights (LB, 2024 – LSU)
Speights joined the Rams as an undrafted free agent in May 2024 and quickly earned a roster spot after turning heads throughout the preseason. He didn’t see defensive snaps until Week 8, but once thrust into action, he started the final 11 regular-season games and both playoff matchups.
He finished the year with 67 tackles, 2 passes defended, and 419 defensive snaps, all while grading in the top third among LBs in run defense by PFF. His standout film work earned praise from coaches and landed him on PFF’s “All-Breakout Team” for 2024.
Speights is now expected to compete for the starting linebacker spot in 2025, along with fellow UDFA Sean Dolac.
This year’s training camp features another talented list of UDFAs. Which one will make an impact this year? Comment below!