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The Los Angeles Rams have a strong team heading into the 2026 season.
With very few weaknesses on their roster, and while their linebacker group is a reliable one, it may be the weakest group on the team.
The Rams' linebacker corps is led by veteran Nate Landman, but beyond him, there are legitimate questions about depth, coverage liability, and overall star power.
Here is where that room stands ahead of training camp, and some big questions regarding the unit entering the season.
Nate Landman
Landman is the centerpiece of the unit. He quickly became one of the most impactful and important players on defense.
Last season, Landman set career-highs in total tackles (132), forced fumbles (4), and fumble recoveries (2). He outplayed the one-year contract that he signed in March 2025, and the Rams wasted no time signing him to a three-year, $22.5 million extension with the team in November.
The 27-year-old provided the Rams with what they were lacking for years in that position group: consistency.
Sean McVay and Les Snead have historically avoided making a major investment at linebacker, but Landman's play was enough to convince them to break from that philosophy.
In 2026, Landman will continue to provide leadership and stellar overall play, particularly as a downhill run-stopper. However, one key thing Landman struggles with is pass coverage due to his limited mobility.
Omar Speights
Speights' role with the Rams has been as a primary coverage linebacker; however, his best work has come as a run defender, as he remains inconsistent in coverage.
Entering the final season of his contract, all eyes will be on Speights to perform for Chris Shula's defense.
The expectation is that he will be highly motivated to shore up his pass coverage deficiencies while capitalizing on the opportunities given by the formidable defensive line that the Rams possess.
Grant Stuard
The Rams added Stuard to the team this offseason, signing him to a two-year deal.
In Los Angeles, Stuard's role is projected to be the anchor of the team’s overhauled special teams unit while providing depth at the linebacker spot.
The 27-year-old spent last season with the Detroit Lions and is set to enter his sixth season in the NFL.
Shaun Dolac
Dolac could play a key role for the Rams after going undrafted in the 2025 NFL Draft. The 24-year-old made his way onto the team and now has a legitimate chance at making more of an appearance on defense rather than special teams.
In a short amount of time, Dolac has shown his elite IQ, tackling consistency, and playmaking instincts.
Elias Neal
Neal is heading into his third season with the club and is expected to serve as a rotational depth piece at linebacker and play a vital role on special teams.
Nikhai Hill-Green
The undrafted linebacker could prove to be a versatile, rotational piece for the Rams. Hill-Green will likely serve mainly as a special team contributor.
Will the Rams upgrade at the linebacker position ahead of the season?
The Rams have been linked to a handful of linebackers ahead of the season, like Bobby Wagner. They need more reliable depth, but it's unclear if Los Angeles will address that in the next few weeks.
Can the linebacker group benefit from what is projected to be an elite defensive line?
The Rams linebackers may not be household names, but they’ll have plenty of chances to make a big impact. A ferocious pass rush causes quarterbacks to make quicker, riskier throws, and that’s where the linebackers can shine.
More training camp primers:
Quarterbacks
Running backs
Offensive Line
Defensive Line
Continue reading...
With very few weaknesses on their roster, and while their linebacker group is a reliable one, it may be the weakest group on the team.
The Rams' linebacker corps is led by veteran Nate Landman, but beyond him, there are legitimate questions about depth, coverage liability, and overall star power.
Here is where that room stands ahead of training camp, and some big questions regarding the unit entering the season.
Rams Linebackers on the Roster
Nate Landman
Landman is the centerpiece of the unit. He quickly became one of the most impactful and important players on defense.
Last season, Landman set career-highs in total tackles (132), forced fumbles (4), and fumble recoveries (2). He outplayed the one-year contract that he signed in March 2025, and the Rams wasted no time signing him to a three-year, $22.5 million extension with the team in November.
The 27-year-old provided the Rams with what they were lacking for years in that position group: consistency.
Sean McVay and Les Snead have historically avoided making a major investment at linebacker, but Landman's play was enough to convince them to break from that philosophy.
In 2026, Landman will continue to provide leadership and stellar overall play, particularly as a downhill run-stopper. However, one key thing Landman struggles with is pass coverage due to his limited mobility.
Omar Speights
Speights' role with the Rams has been as a primary coverage linebacker; however, his best work has come as a run defender, as he remains inconsistent in coverage.
Entering the final season of his contract, all eyes will be on Speights to perform for Chris Shula's defense.
The expectation is that he will be highly motivated to shore up his pass coverage deficiencies while capitalizing on the opportunities given by the formidable defensive line that the Rams possess.
Grant Stuard
The Rams added Stuard to the team this offseason, signing him to a two-year deal.
In Los Angeles, Stuard's role is projected to be the anchor of the team’s overhauled special teams unit while providing depth at the linebacker spot.
The 27-year-old spent last season with the Detroit Lions and is set to enter his sixth season in the NFL.
Shaun Dolac
Dolac could play a key role for the Rams after going undrafted in the 2025 NFL Draft. The 24-year-old made his way onto the team and now has a legitimate chance at making more of an appearance on defense rather than special teams.
In a short amount of time, Dolac has shown his elite IQ, tackling consistency, and playmaking instincts.
Elias Neal
Neal is heading into his third season with the club and is expected to serve as a rotational depth piece at linebacker and play a vital role on special teams.
Nikhai Hill-Green
The undrafted linebacker could prove to be a versatile, rotational piece for the Rams. Hill-Green will likely serve mainly as a special team contributor.
Biggest Linebacker Questions
Will the Rams upgrade at the linebacker position ahead of the season?
The Rams have been linked to a handful of linebackers ahead of the season, like Bobby Wagner. They need more reliable depth, but it's unclear if Los Angeles will address that in the next few weeks.
Can the linebacker group benefit from what is projected to be an elite defensive line?
The Rams linebackers may not be household names, but they’ll have plenty of chances to make a big impact. A ferocious pass rush causes quarterbacks to make quicker, riskier throws, and that’s where the linebackers can shine.
More training camp primers:
Quarterbacks
Running backs
Offensive Line
Defensive Line
Continue reading...
