Poona Ford can finally expect life to get a little easier in Rams' trenches

A year ago, the Los Angeles Rams defense was scrambling for answers to a huge problem. In just two meetings with LA, Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley gouged Chris Shula's group for 460 rushing yards and four touchdowns. He also hauled in all eight passes thrown his way for another 74 receiving yards.

The Rams were determined to shut him down.

So, they signed nose tackle Poona Ford to anchor a new and improved run defense. They added linebacker Nate Landman. Those two additions alone produced dramatic results. Shula's crew smothered Barkley when the Rams traveled to Philadelphia, holding him to just 46 yards on 18 carries.

The outcome was better than many had dared to hope for, but the front office did not get everything right. In addition to signing Ford, general manager Les Snead also drafted defensive tackle Ty Hamilton to supply some youthful relief for the hard-working veteran.

The fifth-round rookie contributed little, only adding 11 tackles in light work.

If this defense hopes to get even stronger against the run, someone will need to step out from Ford's shadow. Ford can't keep this unit stingy without some help. Well, it may be on the way sooner than he thinks.

Poona Ford has 3 reasons to count on having more help

1. Tim Keenan III is robust for a rookie

While setting high expectations for any rookie is risks disappointment, seventh-round nose tackle Tim Keenan III may buck that trend. Unlike versatile youngsters who take time to learn myriad skills at the NFL level, he has one job and he does it well. That job is stopping the run.

Viewed by many draft analysts as an early Day 3 selection, Keenan is the archetype of a nose tackle. Built thick and low to the ground makes him a naturally immovable object, due to that low center of gravity and a powerful build. Even in a limited role, he could have a real impact on the Rams' run defense.

2. Ty Hamilton is ready to rock in Year 2

Despite his unexplosive rookie year, don't rule him out too quickly in 2026. The Rams were eager to bring both Ford and Landman successfully aboard last season, squashing Hamilton's chance to see early action.

By the time the dust had settled, the secondary became riddled with injuries. Hamilton's role was more of an afterthought.

Thankfully, he's back and ready to rock this season. Now that Ford and Landman have settled in, Hamilton can increase his usage considerably this season if he proves productive enough, after seeing just 139 defensive snaps in 2025. The opportunity should be there for the second-year run-stuffer.

3. Rams upgraded on the edge

The combination of Byron Young and Jared Verse has been replaced by Young and Myles Garrett. A 2025 defense much-improved against the run now boasts an elite edge-rusher duo that combined for 35 sacks a year ago and could even improve on that total in 2026.

How does that help the run defense? Well, with Garrett terrorizing their quarterbacks, offenses will try to avoid throwing the football too much. Knowing a run is coming gives the defense a big advantage. That's one thing.

Here's another. The Rams defended the run 436 times in 2025. Because their offense built up big leads, opponents often abandoned the run in hopes of putting points on the scoreboard quickly. And often, it worked. With a pass rush upgrade, that strategy is more likely to result in punting the football back to LA.

A defense needs its rest to remain effective. With an upgraded unit everywhere, the Rams hope to limit opponent drives and time of possession. Getting LA's offense back on the field quickly will in itself keep the run defense elite.

Ford should count on having a little extra help this season. That's the plan, at least, and the Rams have a knack for finding under-the-radar ways to improve.

As always, thanks for reading.

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