Rams coach is already giving Myles Garrett the LeBron James treatment

The Los Angeles Rams appear ready to make some major schematic changes, as defensive coordinator Chris Shula explores the most effective ways to get new 'Superman' Myles Garrett in positions where he can make life miserable on opposing quarterbacks.

One hurdle the Rams may face this season lies in how the defense is constructed. Garrett has played almost his entire career as a 4-3 defensive end, while Shula primarily runs variations of a 3-4 scheme. Either Shula needs to change the formation or Garrett will have to line up out of position, at outside linebacker.

Even though he lined up as a traditional standup rush 'backer during his first few days at Rams OTAs, Shula did not suggest it would be permanent. In fact, the LA DC compared Garrett to both LeBron James and Michael Jordan, players in a tier where it falls on coaches to bend the scheme around their unique talents.

"Obviously, we're still gonna have our principles ... but we're gonna let him do what he does best, and we all know exactly what he does best," Shula said, via Rams beat reporter Stu Jackson. "You're not gonna take Michael Jordan, LeBron, all those guys and pull them out of their comfort zone. We're gonna work with him and put him in the best spots that we think for him and the defense to succeed."

Rams may change 3-4 defense to maximize Myles Garrett

Garrett joins a defense that sacrificed Jared Verse to bring him to town, but the defensive line as a whole remains one of the better units in the NFC. Braden Fiske and Kobie Turner are two dynamic young guns, and Poona Ford's production is up there with the best nose tackles in the game.

That quality around him may be the chief reason Garrett could sustain his Browns production, as he never benefited from a standout defensive line in Cleveland for more than a year or so. The game script may also give Garrett a boost, as the Rams will put him in more advantageous pass-rushing situations whenever they build up a lead.

Moving to a 4-3 scheme might be problematic. Byron Young is not an ideal edge-setter on the outside, and one of either Fiske, Ford, or Turner would need to come off the field on most plays. However, Garrett warrants that seismic change, and Shula is smart enough to figure out a happy medium.

After getting some buzz as a possible head coach candidate last cycle, Shula could secure a job in 2027 if he can help the Rams break through in the postseason while turning Garrett into an even more refined version of himself. As James has proven throughout his NBA career, great players make their coaches look great, too.

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