Latest PFF data confirms Rams fans season-long suspicions about Poona Ford

The Los Angeles Rams defensive front faced uncertainty just one short year ago. Despite a successful season, the team faced expiring contracts with defensive linemen Bobby Brown III, Larrell Murchison, and Neville Gallimore. The team ultimately re-signed Murchison, but failed to bring back Brown or Gallimore.

So the team found a way to do more with less. And veteran nose tackle Poona Ford was the team's answer.

And he was a gamble that paid off with the jackpot.

You needn't take my word for it. Pro Football Focus just released its list of the highest graded interior defensive linemen from 2025. Both Poona Ford and Kobie Turner appeared on that list. In fact, they are the only duo from the same team to make the list.

That's just how good they were last season. Ink in Braden Fiske into the list, and you can see why the Rams defense started so well in 2025.

Kobie Turner, also known as The Conductor, was a bit of a unicorn. He was a stout interior defensive lineman with enough cat-like agility to line up anywhere along LA's defensive front. That allowed the team to manufacture mismatches in the trenches, often leading to huge plays by a hungry and opportunistic defense.

Poona Ford just doubled the defense's ability to confuse offenses.

Rams foundation may need stronger rotation for 2026

Investigating the LA Rams defensive snaps along the defensive line, two things stand out. Turner gulped down 750, and Ford handled 508 defensive snaps. Fiske handled 542, and Tyler Davis played 475 snaps.

But some other rotational players were less active. Desjuan Johnson (101), Larrell Murchison (126). And rookies Ty Hamilton (138) and Jack Heflin (8) were all less active than anticipated.

It may be that while the roster does not appear to be in dire need of defensive linemen, the inability to get more from younger contributors may mean an infusion of new talent. And the 2026 NFL Draft is loaded with plenty of talented defensive linemen.

Of course, it's tough to shine while playing alongside two of the NFL's best interior defensive linemen. And that is even tougher to do without a steady diet of defensive snaps to create the opportunities from which to learn.

Still, double teams and holding ground are very physically demanding roles for any one player. This team has to improve the rotation early in the season to ensure defensive stars are just as effective later in the season.

It's evidence enough to conclude two very important thoughts. The strength of this defensive in its trenchwork. On the other hand, if the team intends to remain dominant at the point of attack, reinforcements may be required.

As always, thanks for reading.