Rams have every reason to expect Rams defense to feature Shaun Dolac

If you are among the Los Angeles Rams fans who cannot help but be excited about the future of inside linebacker Shaun Dolac, you are in good company. Dolac was an undrafted and unexpected gem of 2025, a player who simply wanted to play football. Now, he may be asked to do more.

Fans know that Dolac was one of the lone bright spots on a struggling LA cover squad in 2025. But do they realize that he converted 300 snaps (most on special teams) into 25 tackles? Dolac is a dynamo, a powerhouse who keeps on competing with everything he's worth. Whether he is covering a punt, a kickoff, or simply lining up on defense, he delivers.

Ironically, Dolac's story retraced the steps of linebacker Omar Speight's 2024 season. But Speights eventually stepped into a starting role due to injury. Dolac never has the opportunity. He subbed in for 42 defensive snaps, enough to prove himself worthy of a larger role in 2025. But a late-season injury derailed hopes for postseason heroics.

Shaun Dolac is more than a depth player in 2026

The LA Rams may have made a gaffe in setting up the team's roster in 2025. The team released promising drafted rookie linebacker Chris 'Pooh' Paul Jr., who promptly signed with the Seattle Seahawks. But it was not choosing Shaun Dolac instead, but sticking with veteran Troy Reeder.

Reeder has yet to sign with an NFL team in 2026.

While Pooh Paul could not outplay Troy Reeder in 2025, Shaun Dolac did repeatedly. In fact, Dolac was viewed by many fans as the better fit to compete with hard-hitting starter Nate Landman. Landman was the thumper who stuffed runs and forced turnovers in the middle of the defense. Dolac was the rangy guy who snuffed out any offensive ball carrier.

There are multiple rookie prospects with huge upside in the 2026 NFL Draft at the inside linebacker position. But despite the hype, no one can deliver the same production as Dolac can in 2026. They need to learn Los Angeles, the NFL, the coaches and players, the playbook, and prove to coaches that they can deliver.

Dolac has already checked those boxes.

Sure, the LA front office needs to consider depth and succession for this roster. But failing to draft an inside linebacker is not a disaster. It's simply a vote of confidence for a player who deserves it.

As always, thanks for reading.

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