D.J. Humphries has only been at the facility for a short amount of time, but the Los Angeles Rams‘ veteran tackle hasn’t taken long to make a strong impression.
The longtime Arizona Cardinal joined the Rams back in June, a move the organization made after starting left tackle Alaric Jackson was diagnosed with blood clots. Humphries, who the Cardinals drafted in the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft, brings in a decade of experience to the Rams’ offensive front and has a reputation for being one of the more dependable left tackles in the league.
Rams offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur knows all about Humphries from his time coaching with the San Francisco 49ers and what has stood out is the man within the helmet and jersey.
“I’ve unfortunately, or fortunately, gone up against him a lot over the last six, seven years,” LaFleur said. “So I’ve always respected his game. But I didn’t know him personally until we brought him in.”
That all changed quickly when Humphries arrived in Southern California just before the team made its way out for Maui camp in Hawaii.
“We got him so late in the summer, I didn’t really know what to expect,” LaFleur added. “But just in these past few days, it’s clear, he’s a professional. A real pro. It’s awesome to have him.”
Humphries, 31, spent nine seasons in Arizona (2015-2023) and was signed late last year by the Kansas City Chiefs. Across 10 seasons, the former Florida Gator has started 100 games and was named a Pro Bowler in 2021. Now returning to the NFC West, he steps into the other side of the rivalry, bringing leadership and experience that the Rams will rely on in the potential absence of Jackson.
“Guys like him, they raise the standard,” LaFleur concluded. “He’s been through it. He gets it. That matters.”
Whether he ends up starting or not, Humphries’ presence is already being felt around the locker room and on the field. For a team that has played in the postseason the last two years and has those same expectations for 2025, having that kind of veteran tone setter is no small thing.
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This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: Rams’ Chris Shula breaks down early impressions of D.J. Humphries