Rams sophomore poised for biggest leap suddenly seems clear

The Los Angeles Rams' 2025 draft class has underwhelmed thus far. Tight end Terrance Ferguson made the greatest impact among the rookies, and that amounted to 11 catches for 231 yards. It's not just Ferguson, the 46th overall pick and the Rams' earliest selection last year, who is under pressure. They all are, to varying degrees. It's time to make the proverbial 'sophomore leap.'

Outside linebacker and 2025 third-rounder Josaiah Stewart suddenly seems like the best bet to live up to the cliche. Specifically, Myles Garrett's arrival in Los Angeles should pave the way for Stewart to pay off his potential. 

Life on the defensive line will be easier for everyone. That means more opportunities for the youngster to build on a rookie year that, while unextraordinary, hinted at the upside the Michigan alum has to offer. Among Rams sophomores, Stewart finds himself in prime position to make the largest leap. 

Josaiah Stewart has everything to gain in Year 2 with Rams 

Stewart was decent in a rotational role as a rookie, recording three sacks and three tackles for loss in 17 games (375 snaps). Pro Football Focus awarded him a 69.1 overall grade, solidly above average among qualified edge rushers, as well as 12 stops and 23 total pressures. 

To be clear, his playing time won't necessarily spike this season. Barring injuries, Stewart won't be a starter. Jared Verse is out, Garrett is in. Equilibrium remains intact. 

Stewart could, though, see some extra reps as the Rams experiment with various looks on the defensive front to maximize Garrett. Used as a defensive end in Cleveland's 4-3 scheme, Garrett profiles more naturally as an outside linebacker in LA's 3-4 front.

While that's probably where he will spend most of his time, defensive coordinator Chris Shula may explore sets using Garrett as a pass rusher on the d-line. That would take one of Braden Fiske, Poona Ford, or Kobie Turner off the field while requiring an additional outside linebacker to replace Garrett. Stewart is the next man up on the depth chart. 

On a more regular basis, Garrett's gravity will also allow teammates like Stewart to make the most of every down. All those double teams mean less resistance for the rest of the pass rush to deal with. Stewart could play those same 375 snaps and double his box-score contributions. 

Less obviously, playing alongside Garrett should be a huge confidence-builder for young edge rushers. Stewart will likely see his production increase from the extra opportunities created by Garrett's presence. He'll also benefit from a front-row look, in games and during practice, at what makes the two-time Defensive Player of the Year so great. 

As Micah Parsons has done for the Green Bay Packers' up-and-coming pass rush, look for Garrett to have a similar impact in Los Angeles. Stewart should be among the leading beneficiaries.

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