Edge rusher wasn’t considered a glaring need for the Los Angeles Rams this offseason. They had Jared Verse and Byron Young atop the depth chart, with promising second-year pro Josaiah Stewart also in the picture.
But when opportunity knocks, it’s best to answer. And the Rams did that when they had the chance to acquire the best pass rusher in the league, Myles Garrett. They pounced on that opportunity, trading Verse and multiple draft picks to the Cleveland Browns for Garrett.
It was an example of the rich getting richer, with Los Angeles upgrading what was already a strength of the team. Now with Garrett in the equation, the Rams boast a top-five pass rush in football. If there’s anything to be remotely worried about with this group, it’s the lack of depth behind the top three guys, but as long as everyone stays healthy, the sky’s the limit.
Roster locks
No surprises here. These will be the Rams’ top three edge rushers this season, with Garrett and Young playing the bulk of the snaps. What makes things interesting for Stewart, however, is Garrett’s position flexibility. At his size (6-4, 272 pounds), Garrett can line up inside on third downs and obvious passing situations. That will allow the Rams to get more speed on the field with someone like Stewart.
We could conceivably see defensive fronts that consist of Garrett, Turner, Fiske, Young and Stewart, which is exciting to think about. Having that much speed and power on the field together would help the Rams get to the quarterback quickly when it’s known they will be dropping back to pass.
Likely to make it
Johnson followed the path of Michael Hoecht, going from underwhelming defensive tackle to underrated edge rusher. He successfully completed that transition last season, emerging late in the year as a valuable contributor who could help on defense when his teammates needed a breather.
He should make the team again in 2026, especially with the lack of experience and talent behind him on the depth chart.
On the bubble
Bailey is an undrafted rookie who is considered a long shot to make the team. Thomas and Fox both have NFL experience, with Fox joining the Rams this offseason after being signed by Los Angeles.
The Rams always seem to keep Thomas around on the practice squad and give him opportunities to play on game days here and there, but he’s still squarely on the bubble heading into camp. He’ll need another strong showing in the preseason in order to earn a roster spot.
Position battle to watch
There’s no doubt Stewart has the advantage in this competition, being a former third-round pick. But Johnson played 42 snaps in the playoffs and had four pressures on only 22 pass-rushing snaps. He ended the year strong, as did Stewart, so they’re entering this season with plenty to build on.
Whoever wins this battle will be the first man off the bench when Garrett or Young needs a rest – or on third downs when the opponent is in obvious passing situations and the Rams need more speed on the field. Stewart is a wrecking ball with exceptional explosiveness, making him a potential long-term replacement for Young if he isn’t re-signed.
Potential sleeper
Johnson is an underrated player for the Rams, as evidenced by his pass-rushing numbers from last year. He had at least one pressure in each of the last eight games he played, highlighted by his Week 18 performance against the Cardinals when he had five pressures, two sacks and four quarterback hits.
Now that he’s fully transitioned to an edge rusher role, he could make positive strides again this season. Even as the fourth outside linebacker on the roster, he’ll get to play a handful of snaps each week and could take advantage the way he did last year.
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: Rams training camp preview: LA loaded at edge rusher after blockbuster trade
Reporting by Cameron DaSilva, Rams Wire / Rams Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Cameron DaSilva, Rams Wire | USA TODAY Network
