Tyler Davis has Chris Shula's confidence, and Rams have no choice but to trust him

With nose tackle Poona Ford done for the year and Kobie Turner joining him on injured reserve, the Los Angeles Rams need answers on the defensive front. 35-year-old Aaron Donald can only do so much. Third-year defensive tackle Tyler Davis should be in line for a starting role alongside Donald and Braden Fiske moving forward.

The Rams don't exactly have options. Ty Hamilton has graded out very poorly, with a basement-level 32.9 PFF grade in limited reps. Veteran Larrell Murchison and recently signed rookie Jalen Hunt are practice-squad options. That's about it. 

At least defensive coordinator Chris Shula believes Davis is ready to answer the call.

"Yeah, he's one of the quiet leaders on that d-line," Shula, promoted to DC when Davis was a rookie, said. "He's a great communicator just like Kobie [is]. He's played a huge role for us really ever since I've been here. As a rookie he stepped in right away and he's been playing a ton of snaps."

In his first two seasons, the 2024 sixth-rounder played 33 games and logged over 800 snaps between defense and special teams. Davis hasn't been as productive this season, but the Rams will need him now. 

"Obviously, he's going to be playing a few more [snaps]," Shula continued. "We've always had Kobie and then Poona last year. So, you know, he's always played a huge part of this defense and he's just going to continue to do that and elevating in his role. He's definitely ready for it."

Welp, let's hope so. 

Rams will count on Tyler Davis to handle a larger role 

Sliding Davis into Ford's spot up the middle is the most natural fit. He spent time last season as a backup nose tackle and, with the less proven Hamilton performing poorly thus far, Davis is easily the best and only option as a starter.

Of course, it would be great to have since-released rookie Tim Keenan III available on the bench, but that's neither here nor there. 

The 6-foot-2, 306-pound Davis was a key cog in the rotation last season. He has remained so in 2026, but, at least according to Pro Football Focus, hasn't been as effective. Davis' 51.8 overall grade ranks 90th among 129 qualified interior defenders. Surprisingly, he has graded out worse against the run than the pass. 

Despite one career start thus far, certainly Davis has the experience to step into a larger role. A defensive line with Donald and Fiske at either end and Davis up the middle is at least a serviceable group. The depth behind them is more of a question. 

Good thing Davis wasn't traded earlier, after all.

Although Davis can help in the pass rush, he isn't likely to provide the thump the Rams crave. Turner's loss will hurt in that department especially. Davis has 1.5 career sacks, three quarterback hits, and four tackles for loss. He has 87 tackles in 39 games.

Even with his suffering grades this season, however, Davis' box-score production doesn't capture his value to the Rams. He's dependable. He's versatile. It's encouraging to hear Davis endorse his leadership and communication skills. 

Without Ford or Turner, that poise and maturity will be crucial to keep this group from disintegrating under the burden of injuries and disappointment that have defined LA's 2-4 start to the season.

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