Forgotten Rams defender is quietly making early waves in OTAs

Amidst the promise of OTAs, the Los Angeles Rams have piqued the curiosity of the fans by adding new faces to the roster. Of course, everyone wants to know everything about veteran nose tackle Poona Ford, and whether he truly is as good at stuffing the run as hoped. There is another group that is intensely curious about Ohio State rookie defensive lineman Ty Hamilton, and whether his ability to stuff the run in NCAA football will immediately and completely transfer to the NFL.

There are other defensive linemen who fans would be wise to keep on their radar screens as well. One such defensive lineman is late-arriving defensive tackle Jack Heflin.

Who is he? Why should Rams fans care about him? Well, Jack Heflin is worth noting because the team signed him to the practice squad in December 2024, and he is still with the team. Even as the Rams roster waved farewell to veteran defensive linemen Bobby Brown III and Neville Gallimore, the team was delighted to sign Heflin to a Reserve/Future contract for 2025.

So what makes Heflin so special?

Jack Heflin loves football

For starters, he plays the right position at the right time for the Rams' defense. After all, this team is still forging a top-notch defensive front that is both unpredictable and passionate. It's powered by young players who love the game and whose chemistry simply clicks. And Jack Heflin joined in December 2024, soon enough to prove that he fits in with this close-knit group.

Next, he played one season for the XFL Houston Roughnecks before he was invited to try out for the New Orleans Saints. He earned a spot with the Saints in 2023. I always try to keep an eye on UFL or XFL players who leap over to the NFL. They seem to train harder and appreciate the opportunity to do whatever the coach asks of them.

Heflin was an undrafted collegiate free agent who signed with the Green Bay Packers in 2021. He appeared in four games with the Packers in 2021, one game with the New York Giants in 2022, and one game with the New Orleans Saints in 2023. Heflin is entering his fifth NFL season and has seen minimal action

Still, he has returned to the Rams defense.

Blue Collar Man

Heflin is a veteran defensive lineman with a wrestling background. Wrestling has given Heflin excellent balance, a low center of gravity, and a burning desire to make plays. He keeps his eyes trained on the backfield even when engaged by blockers, and has superb handwork and power. He simply needs to put it all together.

Is he a certainty to make the roster? Perhaps not. He does not flash exceptional speed, agility, or upper body strength. He does not 'flash' elite athleticism, nor does he boast outstanding NFL production.

So, what does he do? He is a workaholic whose style reminds me of former DT/OLB Michael Hoecht. He is a ham-and-egger, an average Joe who stands 6-foot-3 and tips the scales at 304 pounds. He is a pure blue-collar football player who plays out of a burning love of the game. And he has finally landed on an NFL team that values passion in a player.

Much like the lyrics of the 1978 pop hit from Styx, Blue Collar Man, Jack Heflin is chasing his dream of competing in the NFL despite the long nights and impossible odds. He has the tough-nosed attitude and gritty work ethic that scores highly for Rams DL Coach Giff Smith.

Heflin is fourth in terms of defensive line height, tied with DE Desjuan Johnson at 6-foot-3. Undrafted rookie Bill Norton stands 6-foot-6, while undrafted rookie Da'Jon Terry and DT Braden Fiske stand 6-foot-4. He is the fourth in terms of defensive weight, falling behind Norton at 335 pounds, Terry at 330 pounds, and veteran Poona Ford at 310 pounds. Heflin ran a 5.32-second 40-yard dash, and his wingspan is just under 80 inches.

Heflin's speed and wingspan, while not record-setting, are good enough to give Heflin a solid base to enjoy a productive NFL career. Now, it's up to him and the coaching staff to make that happen. Stay tuned, as he may surprise fans by sticking with the team's practice squad.

As always, thanks for reading.

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