After a 16-sack performance in 2 games, how can the Rams D upgrade in 2025?

The LA Rams defense was 'almost there,' throughout the 2024 NFL season. From a young but hungry defensive front, the team made tremendous strides last year. Ultimately, the Rams' young pass rush was a fierce menacing force in the NFL, averaging 8.0 quarterback sacks per game against two incredibly solid offensive lines.

Yet the Rams were shown the door. The team that rose from the ashes of a 1-4 start to their 2024 NFL season was unable to get past the Philadelphia Eagles, falling by a score of 28-22. Perhaps even more heartbreaking, this team was driving in the Red Zone, facing third-down and just two yards to go. The team did not score.

While 28 points is a bit heavy on the scale to overcome in the NFL Playoffs, the defense certainly seemed to be in NFL Playoff form. The defense managed to squelch two turnovers, holding the Eagles to just two separate field goals. Ironically, that just so happened to become the margin of victory in the game for the home team.

Now the question becomes, how can this team get better on the defensive side of the football in 2025?

How can the Rams defense upgrade in 2025?

The first step to any plan to improve is to initially view and assess those areas where the defense will be weakened. To that end, let's flip to OTC.com to assess which Rams players are expected to hit the NFL Free Agency market. In the 2025 offseason, the team is projected to lose some veteran free agents. They are:

• CB Ahkello Witherspoon
• DE Larrell Murchison
• IDL Bobby Brown III
• IDL Neville Gallimore
• ILB Jake Hummel
• ILB Troy Reeder
• ILB Christian Rozeboom
• OLB/DT Michael Hoecht
• S John Johnson III

* Bold print indicates 2024 starter

While the Rams front office likely does not consider these projected free agents in the must-extend category, there is the potential to change a lot of the defensive dynamics if these players walk away without any effort by the team to retain some key contributors, the defense will be depleted in areas that are not easily replaced.

Three defensive linemen, three inside linebackers, two defensive backs, and a versatile down lineman/pass rusher parting ways with the team simultaneously places a ton of pressure on the team to focus on the defense. But if the team holds serve this offseason, it is the offense that likely gets the lion's share of attention in the 2025 NFL Draft.

The Rams cannot ignore this defense in 2025. Even as the team pivots to focus on refueling the offense, the defense has generated positive momentum that cannot be allowed to perish from a lack of attention. Still, there is only so much money to go around. There are only so many draft picks to use. There are only so many roster slots to fill.

Will the team extend some defensive veterans? Will the team shop from the 2025 NFL Free Agency market for playmakers? Will the team address needs of the defense via the 2025 NFL Draft? Questions, questions, questions . . .