Rams’ latest locker room decision could reshape their defensive identity

Since hiring head coach Sean McVay in 2017, the Los Angeles Rams have had a tumultuous relationship with the inside linebacker position. While some NFL teams have built defensive strategies around investing heavily in the role, that has never quite caught on in Los Angeles. To emphasize the point, the Rams have only drafted rookies for the position three times.

It just so happens that two of those players are now competing for the Seattle Seahawks. The third signed with the Carolina Panthers practice squad in his rookie season. There seems to be a pattern there, but who can say for sure? Despite that shaky track record at the position, the Rams’ defense still needs strong leadership. That leadership has now arrived from the most unlikely place.

Rams players have voted veteran ILB Nate Landman as one of the team captains, joining DL Kobie Turner and DB Quentin Lake on defense. On offense, the captains are QB Matthew Stafford, RB Kyren Williams, and RT Rob Havenstein. Special teams captain honors went to P Ethan Evans.

Rams’ Nate Landman is the feel-good twist fans wanted

This is the second year of defensive coordinator Chris Shula’s defense, and expectations are naturally much higher. Shula is an aggressive coach, leaning heavily on disguise and pressure. Last season, the players were still learning the system, and the roster wasn’t fully built to maximize his schemes.

That changes in 2025.

The defense has been retooled around Shula’s vision, and no position has seen a bigger transformation than inside linebacker. Landman brings experience with 36 appearances, 23 starts, 192 tackles, and seven tackles for loss over the past two seasons. He’s essentially a more seasoned, bigger version of last year’s rookie standout Omar Speights.

At 6-foot-3 and 235 pounds, Landman has the size to battle tight ends in coverage while still excelling at stuffing the run. That run-stopping ability was one of the key reasons the front office valued him so highly. His popularity in the locker room has only cemented his leadership role.

There’s no extra pressure on Landman, but expectations are high. The Rams’ defense will face the top five running backs from last season, including Christian McCaffrey and James Conner. If both return to form, the schedule only gets tougher.

None of this is surprising. The front office has been aware of the 2025 gauntlet since the 2024 season ended. Now, fans finally have a captain to rally behind. On paper, with NT Poona Ford and ILBs Nate Landman and Omar Speights, the Rams look far more formidable against the run.

Until kickoff, perception is everything. And right now, the Rams’ defense looks pretty good. As always, thanks for reading.

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