One Rams defender pulled off the ultimate last-minute roster miracle

The Los Angeles Rams had parted ways with former defensive end turned outside linebacker Michael Hoecht during the 2025 NFL Free Agency market. He agreed to play for the Buffalo Bills, extending what seems to be a questionable trend of pass rusher signings. But his exodus created a unique void in the defense. Hoecht could play edge or put his hand in the dirt and play on the line. And defensive coordinator Chris Shula loved that flexibility.

Fast forward to 2025, and defensive end Desjuan Johnson is still battling for a roster spot. The team lost Bobby Brown III and Neville Gallimore, but those vacancies were quickly filled by Poona Ford and rookie Ty Hamilton. Making things even tougher was the emergence of Tyler Davis. With veterans Braden Fiske and Kobie Turner already locked in, the battle for the final spot came down to Larrell Murchison and Johnson.

To improve his odds of making the roster, Johnson willingly took on Hoecht’s old role, moving between defensive line and edge rusher. It seemed like a long shot, especially when he suited up for Game 3 of the preseason, but the gamble paid off. He showcased his versatility to the coaching staff and secured one of the final roster spots.

Rams Desjuan Johnson's Hail Mary chance works

Making a roster spot on this talented team was never going to be easy, even for a returning veteran with valuable postseason experience. The veteran defensive lineman’s willingness to cross-train as an outside linebacker was as much about surviving in the NFL as it was about becoming more adaptable for the team.

It was like a long pass into the end zone as time ran out. The funny thing about this Hail Mary is that it connected. The team shed Brennen Jackson, Jack Heflin, and Bill Norton, but Johnson remained, having checked the boxes for multiple roles along the defensive front.

Will that translate into playing time? It may. With just four outside linebackers on the roster, Johnson has a chance to augment their ranks from a two-point stance. If the defensive line needs extra oomph, he can slide inside and resume his production from a three-point stance.

While he didn’t record a quarterback sack in the preseason, he did register six tackles and one tackle for loss. He was active throughout, and his ability to penetrate the backfield helped spark multiple sacks. In terms of defensive production, he certainly checks the box as a disruptor who makes things happen.

Fans hope that he will carry over that chaos into the regular season. The coaching staff knows that he will. As always, thanks for reading.

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