What Unit the Rams Need To Continue To Improve

Thomas Valentine writes for Pro Football Focus, and he wrote an article breaking down the NFL's most improved defenses last season by EPA per play. The Rams rank third on the list, with there being a negative 0.125 differential between 2024 and last season.

"The young Rams’ defense was one of the best units in the 2025 regular season, finishing eighth in EPA per play after finishing 27th in 2024. Chris Shula’s unit took a step forward in his second season as the team’s defensive coordinator, despite the team not investing an awful lot of money. The key signings they did make proved effective, though", said Valentine.

The Rams were able to hold on to Chris Shula so far this offseason, which is a miracle considering how many teams were in search of their next leader. Despite his defense letting up 31 points in the biggest game, I still believe Shula is a great defensive coordinator.

"Interior defender Poona Ford (86.2 grade; fourth) was one of the best interior stoppers in the NFL in 2025. His 78.7 PFF run-defense grade was fifth among interior defenders, and there weren’t many better defenders at eating up space and clogging rushing lanes", said Valentine.

The Rams saw firsthand the effect Poona Ford had on their defensive line, which helped their unit turn around dramatically. He's the type of player the Rams should be looking to buy low once the offseason begins. They have plenty of cap space, and they need to have another free agency where they walk away big winners.

The Rams' young defensive corps is only going to get older with time, which is why they have to continue to invest in that side of the ball. One of their two first-round picks in the draft has to be used on a defensive player, or both.