Rams desperately need breakout players at 4 key positions in 2025

(1) - Linebacker

When the Rams parted ways with proficient starting ILB Ernest Jones just before the 2024 NFL season started, the team's production at the inside linebacker position plummeted. And for the early part of the 2024 NFL season, the pair of veteran ILBs Troy Reeder and Christian Rozeboom only impressed the coaching staff, as far too many missed tackles and passive play allowed other team to wallop the Rams, putting the team down to a 1-4 record in the first five games as the team limped into a Week 6 BYE.

The first turning point for the Rams defense was the insertion of undrafted rookie ILB Omar Speights to take over for the injured Troy Reeder. While he was very inexperienced, the Rams saw an instant upgrade at run defense. Speights may have been learning his NFL craft through trial and error, but he was determined to put his facemask into the belly of any running back coming his way.

And that devil-may-care attitude started to bleed over to his teammate, Christian Rozeboom, who began to be more aggressive in his run defense. The Rams have since lost Rozeboom and backup linebacker Jake Hummel. Troy Reeder is back. But are the Rams willing to forget the struggles of the past with Reeder? Or will the team truly aim at playing the best inside linebackers in 2025? The Rams need far better production from the position in 2025. Can they find it?

Remedy:

While Rams fans have seen ILB Troy Reeder land a starting role in the defense far too often, I suspect that this year may be different. After all, Reeder is not the only linebacker who joined the team in the offseason. The Rams signed veteran run-stuffer Nate Landman. Much like the introduction of veteran center Coleman Shelton as the likely starter over second-year center Beaux Limmer, Landman may be joining the Rams roster as the veteran who will start at inside linebacker over second-year Omar Speights.

But where the Rams' true potential at the inside linebacker position really starts to brighten is the selection of rookie ILB Chris 'Pooh" Paul Jr. in the 2025 NFL Draft. You see, the Rams seldom draft an inside linebacker, and only Ernest Jones was selected earlier by the Rams since HC Sean McVay took over.

The Rams grabbed Paul in Round 5, but some draft analysts projected him as early as Day 2. You see, Paul is slightly undersized for an inside linebacker, but he makes up for that with superb football IQ, a dynamic ability to read offensive plays and be in position to make plays, cover tight ends, and running backs, and a remarkable ability to shed blockers.

But he is not the only rookie vying for playing time and a roster spot. He has company in the form of Shaun Dolac.

Both Dolac and Paul are undersized, but both boast tremendous impact. And the Rams must be committed to their skillsets, as they are nearly identical in height, weight, and even both timing a 4.63-second 40-yard dash.

There is room for both linebackers on the Rams roster, one as a starting ILB and one as a key contributor on special teams and backing up the starter. But the Rams have to commit to stronger run defense in 2025. How can undersized linebackers help that?

Both Paul and Dolac offer the speed and pass coverage ability to be three-down defenders. That means that the Rams needn't automatically pull out a linebacker to swap with a defensive back on passing downs. And the presence of a linebacker to diagnose and stuff a run can make a huge difference of the course of a season.

The Rams have done well in the past two seasons. But to return to postseason competition, the Rams have to insist on better performances and durability in 2025. With the team's ability to draft solid NFL talent, these are certainly achievable goals.

Now, we just have to sit back and wait for the team to make it happen. As always, thanks for reading.

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