The Los Angeles Rams’ defensive front underwent a massive facelift ahead of the 2026 NFL season, most notably swapping star rookie Jared Verse for powerhouse Myles Garrett. While that superstar transaction captured national headlines, it simultaneously unlocked a massive opportunity for a hidden gem on the roster.
According to ESPN’s Ben Solak, sophomore outside linebacker Josaiah Stewart is primed for a breakout campaign as a vital chess piece in defensive coordinator Chris Shula’s scheme.
Lost in all the Myles Garrett/Jared Verse hoopla is a pretty sick rookie season from Stewart. He was a rotational player with only 166 pass-rush snaps, but that’s part of the appeal for Chris Shula’s defense. Stewart is a subpackage player with legitimate drop ability, so Shula likes him on blitzing downs as a Swiss Army knife. And those 166 snaps were flashy. He can bend, pop with power and finish at the quarterback.
This is particularly important now that Verse has been swapped for Garrett, who figures to kick inside more often (given his superior size) in subpackage looks. That opens the door for more wide alignments for Stewart, who can carve out a role as a late-game closer.
The underlying metrics indicate that Stewart’s flash plays were no fluke. Despite operating strictly in a limited, situational role with 374 total defensive snaps, his efficiency numbers rivaled top-tier edge defenders. Stewart earned an impressive 74.0 Pro Football pass-rush grade, ranking 28th among 115 qualified edge defenders. On his 166 pass-rushing opportunities, he generated 21 total pressures—including three sacks, four quarterback hits, and 14 hurries—to go along with a forced fumble.
Solak isn’t alone in his assessment of Stewart’s potential breakout. Bleacher Report’s Brad Gagnon also named Stewart as a 2026 breakout candidate, and Pro Football Focus called Stewart the Rams’ most impactful first-year player in 2025.
The hope is that Garrett and Byron Young will take on the brunt of direct conflict, leaving Stewart to swoop in on situational moments and make some big plays for L.A.
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: ESPN’s Ben Solak names 2nd-year Rams player as top breakout candidate
Reporting by Oliver G., Rams Wire / Rams Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Oliver G., Rams Wire | USA TODAY Network
