Rams draft flop's breakout run ends with the ultimate gut punch

The Los Angeles Rams have been a team that has hit on many Round 5 selections in recent drafts. The team drafted Notre Dame RB Kyren Williams in Round 5 in 2022, and he has emerged as one of the most proficient rushers over the past three seasons. A similar boon occurred in 2023, as the team drafted BYU WR Puka Nacua. He has been one of the most proficient receivers in the NFL over the past two seasons.

But the third time was certainly not the charm for the team. In 2024, LA took Brennan Jackson, a massive and physical outside linebacker, who carried a productive presence against formidable opponents. But he was injured and limited in his rookie season, appearing in just seven games. He showed up to training camp better than ever, but it was simply not enough.

Brennan Jackson was released in just his second year with the team. The news comes as a mild surprise, as he was the team's leading pass rusher, generating 3.0 quarterback sacks in three games. As is often the case, the fact that he played in the final preseason game was proof that the writing was already on the wall.

Rams release Brennan Jackson in first wave of roster cuts

With the release of Jackson, the team has moved on from three outside linebackers. The team had previously announced the release of Josh Pearcy. Similarly, the team has announced placing Keir Thomas on Injured Reserve. Thomas was expected to be able to return in 2025, but follow-up reports indicate that he will be out for the season.

The team is down to Jared Verse, Byron Young, Nick Hampton, and rookies Josaiah Stewart and Jamil Muhammad. Muhammad is likely gone, while the team reports that the current status of Stewart has him in the NFL's concussion protocol. If LA does release Muhammad, the edge rushers will be down to three healthy players, with one fighting through a concussion.

At 6-foot-4 and 263 pounds, Jackson is ideally sized for the role, and he may be claimed by another NFL team in need of pass rushers. If he does clear waivers, he is an ideal candidate to re-sign with the team on the practice squad.

Even if he does begin the season there, he will have ample opportunities to be elevated for game-day action. If a player is injured, Jackson's experience would position him as one of the early players to step up to the active roster and contribute. Not all NFL players progress in a straight line. Sometimes, it takes one step backward to take three steps forward. Hopefully, he will be back in action for the Rams this season. As always, thanks for reading.

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