Under-appreciated Rams free-agent pickup is trending toward Pro Bowl honors

It feels wrong to talk about an inside linebacker putting up a Pro Bowl campaign after six games. But that is what Los Angeles Rams linebacker Nate Landman deserves, particularly after a 17-tackle performance in Week 6.

When Los Angeles signed Landman as a free agent, he hadn't done much to impress fans. In many ways, he was a bigger, stronger, and more experienced version of what the Rams already had in Omar Speights. But he continues to make the case that some players are simply perfect fits in a new defensive system. Landman took command of defensive coordinator Chris Shula's squad quickly and looked like a major steal before the preseason arrived.

When he came out west, many viewed his role as a seque, a veteran bridge who could play competent football until rookies could grow into a more prominent role. But a funny thing happened. LA overshot the mark considerably, as the 26-year-old is already setting records and dominating.

Rams' Nate Landman setting himself up nicely for Pro Bowl honors

Because general manager Les Snead has invested so little in the inside linebacker unit in recent years, the group has been a bit barren when it comes to postseason accolades. That could all change in 2025, as the four-year vet is among the NFL's leading tacklers after six games, with 58.

While the former Atlanta Falcons defender is on a mission for the single-season tackling record, he brings so much more to this defense than wrapping up opponents. For starters, he is a fine example of a player who checks all of the boxes of the role. That is, he is:

• Sure-handed tackler | Missing just 3.3 percent of his tackles
• Superb in pass coverage | Allowing just 60.7 percent of passes thrown his way to find their targets, as well as six pass deflections in six games
• A turnover machine | He has forced one fumble and recovered two fumbles
• A formidable defender | He has one tackle for a loss and two quarterback hits

Most of all, he is truly the emotional leader of this defense and shows up on every play. He's not playing football; he's living it. His passion fuels his performance, infects his teammates, and elevates the performance of everyone around him. He is fearless, fierce, and formidable.

The best part about him is that he's still young enough to have his best football in front of him, yet experienced enough to deliver consistently on every play.

Snead seldom extends linebackers, but Nate Landman could be the exception to the rule. He is a Pro Bowler on this team. As always, thanks for reading.