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A team can never have too many edge rushers, and the Los Angeles Rams took that sentiment to heart when the team selected Michigan outside linebacker Josaiah Stewart in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft with the No. 90 pick.
Stewart joins a unit that doesn't need another starter but lacks quality depth. While a bit small at 6-foot-1 and 249 pounds, Stewart was still highly productive in college in his two years at Coastal Carolina and two years at Michigan.
He mostly played off the ball or outside the tackles, meaning Stewart should stick as a true edge rusher but might split his time between putting his hands in the dirt on the line or standing up and rushing for the box. We'll see what defensive coordinator Chris Shula decides for his new weapon.
As mentioned, Stewart isn't a threat to start in Week 1. But, he should push the other backups and could become a rotational player early in his career.
Here is the Rams' projected outside linebacker depth chart heading into training camp after the selection of Stewart.
Verse is the defending Defensive Rookie of the Year and was a menace in 2024. He will remain the Rams starting outside linebacker for as long as he's under contract and healthy.
Another stalwart on the defensive front, Young has 15.5 sacks in two seasons. He won't be easily replaced — and shouldn't be given his success since being taken in the third round himself two seasons ago.
Stewart will likely slide into the No. 3 outside linebacker spot as the primary backup for Verse and Young. The Rams wouldn't have used a Day 2 pick on him if they didn't have plans for him in 2025. The Rams' depth behind Verse and Young is pretty bad, so Stewart is a great fit to slide in and take on a good snapshare.
Jackson was a fifth-rounder in 2024 and only played in seven games as a rookie with three combined tackles. Unless he has an incredible camp, Jackson should remain in the middle of the depth chart.
Hampton mostly played special teams in 2024 and should continue in that role in 2025.
Thomas has bounced around between the practice squad and the open market after going undrafted in 2022. He signed a reserve/futures contract in January but isn't a lock to make the team.
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: Rams' projected OLB depth chart after taking Josaiah Stewart
Continue reading...
Stewart joins a unit that doesn't need another starter but lacks quality depth. While a bit small at 6-foot-1 and 249 pounds, Stewart was still highly productive in college in his two years at Coastal Carolina and two years at Michigan.
He mostly played off the ball or outside the tackles, meaning Stewart should stick as a true edge rusher but might split his time between putting his hands in the dirt on the line or standing up and rushing for the box. We'll see what defensive coordinator Chris Shula decides for his new weapon.
As mentioned, Stewart isn't a threat to start in Week 1. But, he should push the other backups and could become a rotational player early in his career.
Here is the Rams' projected outside linebacker depth chart heading into training camp after the selection of Stewart.
1. Jared Verse
Verse is the defending Defensive Rookie of the Year and was a menace in 2024. He will remain the Rams starting outside linebacker for as long as he's under contract and healthy.
2. Byron Young
Another stalwart on the defensive front, Young has 15.5 sacks in two seasons. He won't be easily replaced — and shouldn't be given his success since being taken in the third round himself two seasons ago.
3. Josaiah Stewart
Stewart will likely slide into the No. 3 outside linebacker spot as the primary backup for Verse and Young. The Rams wouldn't have used a Day 2 pick on him if they didn't have plans for him in 2025. The Rams' depth behind Verse and Young is pretty bad, so Stewart is a great fit to slide in and take on a good snapshare.
4. Brennan Jackson
Jackson was a fifth-rounder in 2024 and only played in seven games as a rookie with three combined tackles. Unless he has an incredible camp, Jackson should remain in the middle of the depth chart.
5. Nick Hampton
Hampton mostly played special teams in 2024 and should continue in that role in 2025.
6. Keir Thomas
Thomas has bounced around between the practice squad and the open market after going undrafted in 2022. He signed a reserve/futures contract in January but isn't a lock to make the team.
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: Rams' projected OLB depth chart after taking Josaiah Stewart
Continue reading...
