Rams DC Chris Shula must be smiling over this strange twist of events

The Los Angeles Rams defensive philosophy has taken one of the strangest twists in the history of the team under head coach Sean McVay. In years past, the team had undervalued the contribution of multiple positions on the defensive side of the football. Unless a defender was a pass rusher or shut-down cornerback, the team was unlikely to offer a contract extension.

That meant defensive stars like inside linebacker Cory Littleton, safety John Johnson III, and even safety Jordan Fuller walked away after their contracts expired. Even tackling machine Ernest Jones was traded away for nothing. But the times they are a'changing in LA.

The team has already extended inside linebacker Nate Landman, safeties Quentin Lake and Kam Curl. But the most astonishing fact is that the team is actively meeting with talented linebacker rookie prospects. While Landman has sealed the starting role for 2026, he needs help in pass coverage, and general manager Les Snead is taking that need seriously.

LA Rams loving linebackers is something new, and exciting

Let's not get too carried away just yet. The LA Rams ' reported meetings with rookie prospects have inherently been misdirections and red herrings in the past. Having said that, the team typically does follow through at the position, just not the player they had met with. And that may simply be a coincidence.

32 teams are selecting rookie prospects, so the competiton to add key contributors in the NFL draft is fiercely competitve. That's why Snead is so guarded with naming players who pique his interest. 31 other teams could target that same player. Snead vets players not on talent alone, but on fit and passion.

But reports are surfacing that LA's disinterest in the linebacker position is no more. The team met extensively with Pittsburgh linebacker Kyle Louis and Cincinnati linebacker Jake Golday. Both are highly regarded rookie prospects. Add Missouri linebacker Josaiah Trotter, Alabama State linebacker Jalil Lenore, Texas State linebacker Treylin Payne, and Alcorn State linebacker Stemarion Edwards, and the image begins to form.

LA is prepared to add linebackers from Day 2 in the 2026 NFL Draft through the signing of collegiate free agents. That's a pretty lengthy investment to make into a position that has not returned much in terms of previous seasons.

Blame the need for versatility. Los Angeles needs defenders who can suit up for special teams. Chris Shula's defense is starving for players who can cover passes, rush the passer, stuff the run, and even create turnovers. Now layer on the need to cover kickoffs and punts, and you've described all the reasons why linebackers are back in favor for Snead's squad.

Will it work? Perhaps. Perhaps not. The sudden interest in linebackers and safeties is a new twist. But for fans who have been heartbroken when true stars have walked away, this gives new hope. A team that values all players has a stronger chance to build something special in 2026. And that is what Los Angeles fans have been hoping for.

As always, thanks for reading.