Have the Los Angeles Rams done it again? Under GM Les Snead, the Rams developed a reputation for finding valuable contributors and rotation players among late-round picks and undrafted free agents (UDFAs). Well, it looks like Los Angeles may have found another.
Edge rusher Wesley Bailey stood out all of camp, to the point where he was the most-discussed player during both of the Rams’ preseason broadcasts. A UDFA out of Louisville, Bailey spent four years at Rutgers before transferring to the Cardinals in 2025. Last season, he had 39 tackles and six sacks.
Bailey’s collegiate production never stood out compared to other NFL prospects, but he was consistently impactful. He tore up the NFL Scouting Combine, proving himself one of the most athletic players in this class. And now he’s proving that athleticism can translate for the Rams in the preseason.
Los Angeles Rams UDFA ED Wesley Bailey Among Historic Company
GettyBLACKSBURG, VIRGINIA – SEPTEMBER 21: Wesley Bailey #13 of the Rutgers Scarlet Knights (now of the Los Angeles Rams) look on prior to a game against the Virginia Tech Hokies at Lane Stadium on September 21, 2024 in Blacksburg, Virginia. (Photo by Ryan Hunt/Getty Images)
After a quiet preseason debut against the Chiefs, Bailey dominated the Saints on Saturday. He was credited with 10 pressures for the Rams against New Orleans, a bonkers number that puts him in rare company. Since 2023, Bailey is one of five players to rack up 10 or more pressures in a preseason game.
The other four? Oh, just some guys named Micah Parsons, Jonathan Cooper, Trey Hendrickson, and Aidan Hutchinson.
“I thought you felt his presence all day,” Rams HC Sean McVay said after the game. “There are certain guys you feel on defense where you know they’re making their presence felt, and that was how I felt about ‘Wes’ Bailey all day today.”
Bailey added a sack and a forced fumble — that fumble coming at the goal line to save a touchdown — in addition to his pressure numbers. The Rams really might have found a valuable pass rusher without even spending a draft pick.
The Rams May Be Forced to Cut UDFA ED Wesley Bailey Anyway
GettyGLENDALE, ARIZONA – JANUARY 13: Defensive Coordinator Chris Shula of the Los Angeles Rams looks on during the third quarter against the Minnesota Vikings during the NFC Wild Card Playoff at State Farm Stadium on January 13, 2025 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Bailey making the Rams’ 53-man roster and becoming a rotation player on the edge would be a fantastic story. Unfortunately, he still has an uphill battle to climb. ESPN’s Sarah Barshop released her predictions for the players who will make Los Angeles’ initial 53-man roster, and Bailey did not make the cut.
It has nothing to do with Bailey himself. It’s just that the Rams are talented and deep at his position. Myles Garrett, the two-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year, is the headliner, alongside Byron Young. But 2025 third-rounder Josaiah Stewart had a good rookie season, and veteran Desjuan Johnson had one of the highest pass-rush win rates in the league last year, per PFF.
Plus, the Rams have other roster considerations to make. They might need to carry five tight ends, six wide receivers, four running backs, and three quarterbacks, just to make room for all the talented youngsters they’ve brought in over the last few years. Such is the nature of having the league’s best roster.
At this point, there’s no chance Bailey will make it through waivers unclaimed and survive to the Rams’ practice squad. He’s put out the tape that some team that needs pass rush help more than Los Angeles will claim him. The Rams need to find a spot for him on their roster — or risk losing one of the most promising young pass rushers in the class.
Rams Predicted to Cut Undrafted Rookie Despite Historic Preseason Performance