The Los Angeles Rams' defensive line faced a crossroads last year, with key players like Bobby Brown III and Neville Gallimore reaching the end of their contracts. While they managed to re-sign Larrell Murchison, Brown and Gallimore moved on, leaving the Rams with some big shoes to fill. Enter veteran nose tackle Poona Ford, a gamble that turned into a jackpot for the team.
Ford's impact was undeniable, as highlighted by Pro Football Focus, which listed him and teammate Kobie Turner among the top interior defensive linemen of 2025. Remarkably, they were the only duo from the same team to earn such recognition. This speaks volumes about their performance and why the Rams' defense was so formidable last season.
Kobie Turner, affectionately dubbed "The Conductor," brought a unique blend of strength and agility, allowing him to line up anywhere on the defensive front. This versatility created mismatches that the Rams exploited to great effect. Meanwhile, Ford's presence doubled the defense's ability to keep offenses guessing.
Looking ahead to 2026, the Rams might need to bolster their defensive line rotation. Turner logged 750 snaps, Ford 508, Braden Fiske 542, and Tyler Davis 475. However, some rotational players like Desjuan Johnson and Larrell Murchison saw limited action, with rookies Ty Hamilton and Jack Heflin also not getting as much playing time as expected.
While the Rams aren't in desperate need of new defensive linemen, the limited contribution from younger players suggests that fresh talent could be beneficial. The upcoming NFL Draft is rich with defensive line prospects, offering a chance to strengthen the rotation.
It's no easy task to stand out alongside two of the league's top interior linemen, especially without consistent snaps to learn and grow. Yet, it's crucial for the Rams to enhance their rotation early in the season to ensure their stars remain effective throughout the year.
In conclusion, the Rams' strength lies in their trenchwork. However, to maintain dominance at the line of scrimmage, they may need to bring in reinforcements. Thanks for joining us on this deep dive into the Rams' defensive strategy.