Shaun Dolac has been a fan favorite all offseason. Los Angeles Rams fans immediately saw potential in the undrafted linebacker, especially after he led the FBS with 168 tackles and 177 interception return yards in 2024 as a member of the Buffalo Bulls. It seems the team saw the same thing.
Considering how little stability the Rams have had at inside linebacker, he always had a decent chance to make the 53-man roster. And with one preseason game left, he may have already secured a spot on the team.
Though the Rams haven’t said anything about Dolac’s fate, a video they posted on social media Thursday indicates he’s in a great spot. Dolac was spotted running with the first-team defense, getting reps alongside players such as Jared Verse, Kamren Curl, Poona Ford and Cobie Durant.
A dime to Davante. 😮💨 pic.twitter.com/rQVPt3woGr
— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) August 21, 2025
The Rams obviously rotate players on offense and defense during practice, giving backups reps with the starters, which also gives first-team players a chance to catch their breath. It could just be that Dolac was filling in for either Nate Landman or Omar Speights for a play or two.
We can’t glean too much from one brief video, but the simple fact that Dolac was on the field at all with the starters is encouraging for the rookie linebacker. Even if Landman or Speights had a rest day or a minor injury that took them off the field, it’s notable that Dolac was the next man up.
The Rams have Pooh Paul Jr. and Troy Reeder on the depth chart, too, but it was Dolac running with the ones. That shouldn’t go overlooked.
We’ll have a much better idea of where Dolac stands on Saturday when the Rams visit the Browns in the preseason finale. If he doesn’t play at all, it’s safe to say he secured a roster spot. The Rams took the same approach with Omar Speights last preseason, sitting him in the finale after already deciding he’d make the 53-man roster.
If Dolac starts and plays minimal snaps, that could also be an indication that he’ll make the team. The only negative sign will be if he plays the majority of the game.
For now, the outlook is good for the rookie linebacker, who’s been a standout player in the preseason thus far. Even if he only contributes as a special teams player initially, it’s a huge accomplishment for him to simply make the 53-man roster at all.
And with time, he could work his way into the defensive rotation like Speights did as an undrafted rookie last year.
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This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: LA Rams rookie Shaun Dolac seems close to making 53-man roster