The Los Angeles Rams have a long -standing tradition of competing in the postseason. To achieve that perennial playoff participation, this team has followed some curious roster-building decisions. Still, the newfound offensive eruption in 2025 that deployed three tight end formations may force the team to rethink its habits.
Perhaps it's time to secure an elite linebacker for the defense?
It's impossible to deny the available talent up for grabs in the 2026 NFL Draft. While few teams covet inside linebackers early, Ohio State outside linebacker Arvell Reese leads a small army of elite rookie linebackers in their quest for NFL success. And many teams may be planning to jockey for the right position to get their guy:
It's been a long time since we've had a Linebacker class this good. All these guys deserve to be talked about. https://t.co/gJg3PbZTN3 pic.twitter.com/hAfgvCzxma
— Chris Simms (@CSimmsQB) March 27, 2026
While selecting a linebacker has not been part of general manager Les Snead's draft strategy in the past, the times they are a'changing. With a potent offense and a weakened defense from 2025, it's not out of the question for LA to seek to bolster its defensive leadership.
Rams have plenty of promising LB prospects to choose from
Why should LA rush to pick from a plentiful position? The lofty levels and abundance of linebackers who could suit Los Angeles are unmatched. Like any wise shopper, the best time to buy is when the produce is ripe and plentiful. Right now, the NFL is about to experience a bumper crop of linebackers.
And Los Angeles has a strong history of elite production at the linebacker position
Sonny Styles, Ohio State
At 6-foot-5 and 244 pounds, linebacker Sonny Styles adds versatility to any defense from his size alone. He is a solid combination of elusiveness (to blockers) and stickiness (to ball carriers). He is powerful, agile, and a born leader.
Anthony Hill Jr., Texas
A bit more compact at 6-foot-2 and 238 pounds, linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. instantly tracks the offensive play and positions himself to blow everything up. He is gifted in coverage as well, showing defensive back range and speed when a quarterback plans to air one out.
Jacob Rodriguez, Texas Tech
Jason Rodriguez proved his worth at Texas Tech. He has mastered forced fumbles, tackling with authority, rallying the defense with emotional energy, and even hauling in interceptions. Rodriguez is the equivalent of the top linebacker selected in the 2025 NFL Draft, Philadelphia Eagles Jihaad Campbell.
Jake Golday, Cincinnati
Jake Golday is another tall linebacker who could give quarterbacks fits if they try to throw the football his direction. At nearly 6-foot-5 and all of 239 pounds, he is a physical presence who instantly upgrades special teams on coverage. He is a trye thumper, a guy who punishes anyone who gets in his way.
Kyle Louis, Pittsburgh
The LA Rams have had some notable success drafting rookies from the University of Pittsburgh. And linebacker Kyle Louis is described as undersized. He may be more of a sledgehammer than a wrecking ball, but he more than makes up for a lack of intimidating size with surprising speed and endless energy. He is an ideal option for LA's defense, as he is a perfect replacement for a nickel defensive back.
CJ Allen, Georgia
Georgia's CJ Allen is a perfect example of how valuable a "jack of all trades, master of none" player can be in a modern NFL defense. He is not blessed with exceptional size, speed, or power. Yet, he is fundamentally sound, makes his teammates better around him, and always seems to be in the right place to make a play.
Josaiah Trotter, Missouri
A legacy player (ala father Jeremiah Trotter), Josaiah Trotter is a young prospect who demonstrates a wide-ranging command of intricate NFL defensive knowledge. Trotter is the total package, a player who shows up repeatedly with a versatile tool for every scenario. He is an on-field coach, a player whose upside is ever rising.
Jimmy Rolder, Michigan
Jimmy Rolder is an effective defensive terminator. He is gifted at finding the path of least resistance to blow-up plays. Just a one-year starter, his tape flashes seasoned veteran decision-making. He is not exceptionally swift, but he has plenty of range to play the position where most offensive plays come right at him.
Kaleb Elarms-Orr, TCU
Kaleb Elamrs-Orr is one of the few prospects who arrive a bit raw. He has all the makings of the NFL at 6-foot-2 and 234 pounds. But his athleticism compensates for delays in diagnosing the offense. He has plenty of upside, but will need additional coaching to unlock his full defensive potential.
Deontae Lawson, Alabama
Devontae Lawson is a true option if the plan is to upgrade pass coverage in the box. At 6-foot-3 and 226 pounds, he radiates hybrid linebacker/safety energy, and he already boasts the coverage skills to be effective in a rotational role. He is best in a predetermined role, when he knows what he must provide on specific plays. He is quality, a two-time team captain.
Los Angeles may not rush to add a linebacker, but 2025 found multiple top 10 linebackers still on the board on Day 3 (including Rams addition Chris Pooh Paul Jr.). So it's not unheard of for Les Snead to target a top linebacker in this draft.
But he could surprise fans and analysts alike by selecting one as early as Day 2.
As always, thanks for reading.