Grading latest 8 Rams free agency moves including Ahkello Witherspoon signing

(2) - NT Poona Ford | 3-year deal for $27.6 million

With the exodus of both NT Bobby Brown III and NT Neville Gallimore, I have to admit that I was a bit skeptical about the chances of Rams GM Les Snead addressing the nose tackle role effectively before the 2025 NFL Draft. Well, I could not have been more wrong. The Rams not only addressed the nose tackle role but appear to have upgraded the position with the signing of former Los Angeles Chargers NT Poona Ford.

Poona Ford is a 5-foot-11 nose tackle who tips the scales at 310 pounds. He is a powerful and incredibly agile nose tackle who is a superb run-stuffer in 2024 who added a dash of pass rush to boot. Best of all, he was one of the toughest NTs that Philadelphia Eagles Jason Kelce ever faced in his career. Ford's short stature combined with long arms affords him remarkable leverage to win at the line of scrimmage.

Entering his eighth season, Ford is hitting his stride at the age of 29 years old. And his ability to dominate at the line of scrimmage at the nose tackle position is a key factor to view the Rams defense with renewed optimism in 2025. Ford's presence feels like a solid anchor to a defensive front that has already proven to strike fear into the hearts of opposing quarterbacks with 16 quarterback sacks in two games in the 2025 NFL Playoffs. With Poona Ford in the trenches, the Rams defensive front can be every bit as dominating at stopping the run.

Grade for signing NT Poona Ford: A+

(3) - Former C Coleman Shelton | 2 years worth up to $12 million

The Los Angeles Rams traded away IOL Jonah Jackson to the Chicago Bears. His exodus, plus the release of IOL Logan Bruss, the expired contract of swing-tackle Joe Noteboom, plus the New England Patriots claiming former Rams OL Zachary Thomas off the Rams waivers has left the depth along the offensive line a bit shallow.

By signing former Rams starting center Coleman Shelton, GM Les Snead kills two birds with one stone. While rookie center Beaux Limmer made the best of starting in a difficult situation, he struggled at times in 2024. You might think a center would be the least penalized of starting offensive linemen, but Beaux Limmer is the exception to the rule. In 916 offensive snaps, he allowed just one quarterback sack but was penalized a horrendous nine times. His Pro Football Focus pass-blocking grade of 42.9 is particularly alarming.

Coleman Shelton is a veteran who is very familiar with the Rams coaches, players, and offense. In 2024, he played 1,121 offensive snaps and surrendered three quarterback sacks plus four penalties. But a review of the Chicago Bears offensive line in 2024 reveals that Shelton was sandwiched between two struggling offensive guards. Shelton can plug-and-play at any position between offensive tackles.

Shelton brings instant depth and competition to the Rams roster. His 2025 salary cap hit of $4.5 million is a solid value for what could turn into a starting center for the team this season.

Grade for signing C Coleman Shelton: A