Myles Garrett has promising Rams teammate primed for a breakout

The Los Angeles Rams made the move of the NFL offseason by trading for reigning Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett. The star defender is expected to have his own major impact on the team’s overall success, but he will also shape his teammates’ individual outcomes.

Specifically, Garret will make things easier for the secondary by giving quarterbacks less time to dissect the coverage and throw, as well as aid the rest of the pass rush. The Rams already had a young and talented defensive front, and that group has to be happy about the chance to play alongside Garrett.

One young player who could use Garrett's presence as a springboard is outside linebacker Josaiah Stewart. Coming off a solid rookie season, Stewart has been identified as a player to watch by ESPN's Aaron Schatz.

Josaiah Stewart primed for Year 2 leap with Rams

Noting that Myles Garrett will have to take a seat every now and then, Schatz highlights those moments as Stewart’s time to shine. His rookie numbers - three sacks and a 17.6% pass rush win rate - are a promising start to his career.

Stewart, Schatz's Rams "nonstarter to know," also recorded 22 tackles, one forced fumble, and six quarterback hits. He can also be deployed in coverage, something Schatz observes, despite his primary identity as a pass rusher. Now, Stewart will have the opportunity to elevate his game while playing on what should be a much-improved defense around him.

While Stewart won't be a starter - Garrett and Byron Young will hold those spots - he shouldn’t be viewed as merely a fill-in for when Garrett needs a breather. He will be a rotational weapon who could even line up alongside Garrett when the Rams get creative with their pass-rushing fronts.

How the Rams use Stewart remains to be seen, but fans should be excited to see what the young defender will deliver in Year 2 after he flashed so much potential as a rookie.

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