The Los Angeles Rams have a unique knack for acquiring talent, and they do so through their ability to evaluate players through a different lens compared to the rest of the league. While the storylines are filled with the names of their star players, their success comes down to the details that overlooked players handle.
Thus, Rams defensive tackle Poona Ford was ranked 35th on CBS Sports’ Zachary Pereles list of the best under-the-radar talents. Ford had a strong debut campaign for the Rams after helping the Los Angeles Chargers turn around their defense in 2023.
“Ford is a multi-time selection to this list, and for good reason,” wrote Pereles. “Last year, he was PFF’s No. 4 interior defender and earned the outlet’s fifth-highest run defense grade at the position. For all the stars the Rams have, players such as Ford who do the dirty work at a high level are absolutely indispensable.”
Ford’s work in the trenches helped redefine the Rams’ run defense last season, turning a unit that struggled to hold the line into one of the league’s best until injuries affected other parts of the operation. His improvements as a pass rusher are slowly turning Ford into a well-rounded player, with his role increasing over the year.
A critical portion of their defense and defensive line rotation, Ford could be on the verge of his best season yet.
Also on the list were former Rams defensive backs Cobie Durant and Roger McCreary, exemplifying Los Angeles’ ability to find and develop talent from a variety of sources. Durant was a fourth-round pick in 2022 and played four seasons with the Rams, becoming one of their best turnover creators in the postseason. McCreary was added via trade in the middle of 2025.
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: Rams defender ranked among NFL’s best under-the-radar players
Reporting by Brock Vierra, Rams Wire / Rams Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Brock Vierra, Rams Wire | USA TODAY Network
