Rams linebackers have an opportunity to prove themselves with all eyes watching

With Aaron Donald officially unretiring to rejoin the Los Angeles Rams, expectations are through the roof. The season is very obviously Super Bowl or bust, but people are even mentioning the Rams in undefeated-season talks, simply because of the abundance of elite talent on the roster.

Going undefeated and winning it all is an unreasonable expectation to set, especially before the season starts, but it does acknowledge the reasonable expectation that Los Angeles will dominate. While the Rams’ stars will carry the weight, every player on the roster will have to live up to a certain standard.

The defense is expected to be an all-time great group with the presence of both Donald and Myles Garrett, even as they just account for two of the 11 players in the lineup. It helps that the rest of the defensive line is pretty talented - don't forget about Kobie Turner and Poona Ford - and that LA also added two-time All-Pro corner Trent McDuffie.

The one position that doesn’t have much star power is the linebacker room, and rival fans are already pointing to the unit as a weakness that could limit the Rams' ceiling. Whether or not that proves true remains to be seen, but it’s clear the group will be under pressure not to cause the defense's downfall.

Rams linebackers have a chance to make a name for themselves

The reality is that other fanbases are trying to do anything they can to feel good after realizing how stacked Los Angeles is — picking on the Rams’ linebackers is part of that. It is fair to say, however, that if one unit will be the defense’s biggest weakness, the linebacker room is the safe bet.

That gives LA’s linebackers an opportunity, though. Led by Nate Landman and Omar Speights, the group has an open invitation to take their game to another level, proving to the NFL world that they are far from a weak link.

Both Landman and Speights became full-time starters last season, and they are reprising those roles in 2026. Landman proved to be a high-value free-agent signing a year ago, having a career campaign with 132 tackles, eight tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, and one interception. Speights, a 2024 undrafted signee, added 85 tackles.

Now, the duo enters year two together, playing alongside more elite teammates than they could have imagined. That comes with pressure, so they will have a choice to make as the starters in the room.

Specifically, Landman and Speights will either be a pipe or a diamond. They could rise near the level of their teammates, completing an elite defense, or they could go out every week and look like they don’t belong.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow