Rams lose this active practice squad player to the Detroit Lions
By Bret Stuter
There is a great deal to say about the LA Rams in 2020. Not only did the team rebound nicely from an injury-infested 2019 NFL season, but it was the last time the Rams front office benefitted from the direction of now-Detroit Lions GM Brad Holmes. And if you take a look at the college players who were signed to the team after the 2020 NFL Draft, you will see several players who continue to compete for the team today.
Well, with one fewer name competing for the Rams going forward.
While the fans may not think twice about the loss of defensive lineman Jonah Williams, the LA Rams will certainly notice his absence. The Rams claimed him off the Minnesota VIkings waiver wire and he has toggled between the active roster and the practice squad throughout the 2024 NFL season. He has only played 40 defensive snaps for the team this season and added three tackles and one quarterback pressure over that minimal defensive presence.
He will compete for the Detroit Lions (11-1) going forward. The Lions are signing DE Jonah Williams off the practice squad.
For Lions fans, the team is not taking a shot in the dark by adding William. GM Brad Holms is someone who as partially responsible for his entering the NFL in 2020. Like many of the 2020 undrafted college free agents, Williams possessed draftable talents, but fell due to the abundance of talented defensive linemen that year.
Williams competed for the Rams in 47 games, and started 22 games since 2021. He has been an ever-developing player who has excellent run-defense, and a subtle but surprising pass rush. While 29 years old, he has been a slow-to-develop NFL player whose1224 snaps is more like a third-year player on a rookie contract.
He may not be a Pro Bowler, but he does leave it all on the football field. And if Brad Holmes is impressed enough to sign him to the Lions roster, you can bet that his best NFL performances are ahead of him.
The Rams have a track record of several young pass rushers excelling on their next team(s). Jonah Williams is well-positioned to extend that tradition with the Detroit Lions. Fans may not miss him, but that is likely to change if he shows up as well for the Lions as he is capable of performing.
As always, thanks for reading.