The Rams preferred the defense they did during the offseason, but no one did better on that side of the ball thanks to the two additions they made at cornerback.
Trading for Chiefs Pro Bowler Trent McDuffie, then signing teammate, Jaylen Watson, in free agency completely changed the complexion of the Rams’ defense.
Other than that, they were quiet in both free agency and the 2026 NFL Draft on defense. That’s not really surprising, as they are loaded with young talent at almost every position. But in terms of sound, they couldn’t talk much about improving their backroom, which was very weak last season.
Here’s a look at where the defensive depth chart stands, free agency and the draft:
A line of defense
Launchers: DE Braden Fiske, NT Poona Ford, DT Kobie Turner
Saved: Ty Hamilton, Jaxson Moi, Jalen Logan-Redding, Tyler Davis, Tim Keenan III, Bill Norton, Larrell Murchison, Payton Zdroik
Skin: The Rams have done a solid job of building an effective defensive line over the past few years, leaving them without major needs in this area. They added Keenan as a late-draft addition, and he’ll have a chance to earn a spot in the rotation, but the Rams were put here because of the work they’ve done over the years.
Bottom line: The Rams were the best running back last year, and it starts up front. In terms of the long term, Fiske and Ford are under contract through the 2027 season, but Turner is on an expiring contract, so a decision must be made on his long-term future.
The defenders
Launchers: Byron Young, Jared Verse, Nate Landman, Omar Speights
Saved: Josaiah Stewart, Grant Stuard, Shaun Dolac, Elias Neal, Desjuan Johnson, Keir Thomas II, Eddie Walls III, Nikhai Hill-Green, Wesley Bailey, Darryl Peterson III
Skin: According to Pro Football Focus, only three running backs finished in the top 15 in both rushing and run defense last year. Another was Young, who broke in 2025 with career highs in sacks (12) and 82 tackles. The other two were Myles Garrett and Will Anderson.
That speaks to Young’s emergence as a force off the edge and why he expects a big payday in a new contract extension. But in order for the Rams’ defense to take another step forward, especially in closing games, they need Verse to come out the same in his third season. Verse is a great player, but needs to be consistent in terms of good reps for averages. He is very good at the high-to-low fluctuations he is sometimes prone to. If that happens, the Rams will field one of the most dangerous passing systems in the NFL.
Bottom line: The Rams have one of two very good edge rushers in Young and Verse, and there is an absolute ceiling for improvement. As for the inside linebackers, they’ve made progress at that position, hoping Speights and Landman can continue to provide serviceable play. Expect them to talk in that area going forward.
Cornerback
Launchers: Trent McDuffie, Jaylen Watson, Quentin Lake
Saved: Emmanuel Forbes Jr., Cam Lampkin, Josh Wallace, Alex Johnson, Drey Norwood, Al’zillion Hamilton, Nyzier Fourqurean
Leather: Cornerback was a liability for the Rams last year, and they prioritized that position early in the season. It’s hard to imagine them handling that job any better than when they traded for McDuffie and signed Watson in free agency. Suddenly, weakness becomes strength. To put that into perspective, if that backfield tandem had been around a year ago, the Rams might have played in the Super Bowl.
Bottom line: With Lake manning the slot at corner, and McDuffie and Watson on the perimeter, the Rams are as strong as they have been in years as a top three corner. Lampkin and Wallace provide solid depth. The Rams are stuck here for a while, but it wouldn’t be surprising if they add another deep core of veterans.
Safety
Launchers: Kamren Kinchens, Kam Curl
Saved: Jaylen McCollough, Nate Valcarcel, Tanner Ingle, Nick Andersen
Skin: The Rams were actually pretty safe this offseason, which is a clear sign that they are motivated by the young talent they have assembled. Also, keep in mind that with McDuffie, a versatile corner who can meet in the zone, that means Lake can be planted in his natural safety zone from time to time.
Bottom line: The work the Rams have done at cornerback improves every aspect of the defense, including at safety, a position they already feel good about.
