Rams defense just got dealt a generational challenge to endure twice a year

The LA Rams upgraded their run defense in 2025. But a new challenge awaits them from their former offensive coordinator.

Bret Stuter

Arizona Cardinals head coach Mike LaFleur / Rob Schumacher/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

As soon as the Los Angeles Rams learned that former offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur had accepted the head coaching role with the Arizona Cardinals (3-14), they accepted the fact that his team would be stepping up to the 2026 NFL Draft podium with the third overall selection.

The Cardinals are immersed in a deep-reaching rebuild, which is typical for a team that hires a new head coach. LaFleur is a good one, an offensive strategist who loves to power his offense right down the throats of opposing defenses.

Running back Jeremiyah Love is a custom fit for that type of role in this offense. But it's impossible to ignore that the Cardinals were begging to trade back, and would only select Love if no reasonable offers arrived in time. Clearly, no trade offers pried the Cardinals from that lofty third overall selection.

Cardinals have a lot of work to do

The Cardinals are armed with seven draft picks. Thanks to a struggling 2025 NFL season, they will step up early in each round. But they have needs at quarterback, offensive line, edge rusher, linebacker, and defensive linemen. That makes up a huge number of roster holes, and seven picks can only go so far.

Jeremiyah Love adds some offense to a team desperate to score points. But Love's upside is limited to his blocking, the quarterback's ability to complete a forward pass, and the opportunities created by keeping the defense guessing.

Make no mistake, Love has a bright future ahead of him. But the Cards may have placed the horse before the cart with this move. Until the offensive line can pave the road in front of him, he risks getting beaten up and frustrated long before he makes a significant impact for his new NFL team.

LA's defense will face him twice a year. But to be brutally honest, there is less to fear in 2026 than further into the future. As always, thanks for reading.

Bret Stuter

Bret Stuter is the site expert for Ramblin Fan who has covered the Los Angeles Rams for 5 years. Swept up into loving professional sports from a family that listened to games on the radio, he is at home cheering for HC Sean McVay and the Rams. Articles have been featured on B/R, Fox Sports, CBS Sports, Sporting News, and Washington Post. Bret loves to fish, and watch games at sports bars over pizza.