Rams Predicted To Turn 2024’s Liability Into A Strength After Major Roster Moves

Even with the additions, questions remain at linebacker. Landman and Dolac headline the new-look group, but the unit still feels underwhelming compared to the rest of the defense. The Rams even passed on an opportunity to grab Alabama standout Jihaad Campbell in the first round of April’s draft, a decision that could loom large if the rookie thrives in Philadelphia.

For now, Los Angeles will lean on potential. The group may lack a proven star, but it offers upside — and with a stout defensive line in front of them, the linebackers won’t need to be spectacular, just reliable.

Defensive Line Emerging as a Core Strength

If the linebackers are the uncertainty, the defensive line is the Rams’ growing identity. General manager Les Snead invested heavily in the 2024 draft, selecting Jared Verse and Braden Fiske with the team’s first two picks. The rookies joined Kobie Turner and Byron Young, forming a disruptive quartet that eventually became the backbone of the defense by the end of last season.

Heading into 2025, that group looks even more formidable. Turner explained why this year feels different, crediting the depth around him:

“For me, my journey last year, I started off taking basically every snap and once it got to third downs, I didn’t have as much juice. Now we have guys that are able to take snaps on the early downs, keep us fresh for pass rushing opportunities… We really have a great group of guys you can plug and play at whatever position.”

Turner highlighted how newcomers like Ford and Davis have helped solidify the front:

“To be able to have guys who can hold it down like Poona, like ‘T.D.’ (Tyler Davis), who can really own the run and who really uphold the standard that we have in that D-line room… it’s interchangeable.”

Jared Verse: From Rookie Standout to DPOY Candidate?

The Rams’ biggest breakout star could be Verse, who despite just 4.5 sacks as a rookie, registered an eye-popping 89 pressures. His ability to disrupt forced offenses to alter protections, even if the box score didn’t always show it.

Verse capped his rookie year with two sacks against Jalen Hurts in Philadelphia, proving he thrives under the spotlight. This offseason, he sharpened his arsenal, adding a devastating speed rush to pair with his signature bull rush.

The buzz has already spread league-wide. Jeff Howe of The Athletic noted that Verse is generating Defensive Player of the Year buzz for 2025, with a rival executive even predicting he could become “the league’s best defensive player this season.” DraftKings currently gives him the eighth-best odds at +1500.

Building Toward an Elite Unit

With a retooled run defense, a young but battle-tested defensive line, and a potential superstar in Verse, the Rams are no longer defined by their weakness. Instead, they might be building one of the NFL’s most versatile and dangerous defenses.

The run defense that cost them dearly in 2024 could transform into one of their greatest strengths in 2025. And if Rodrigue’s prediction proves true, this Rams defense might not just complement Matthew Stafford’s offense — it might power Los Angeles toward another deep postseason run.