The Los Angeles Rams have proved that, when healthy, they are still among the best teams in the NFL. And while their offense has continued to drive the success of the team, the defense has struggled to stay above water. They have allowed the 8th most yards per game, the 9th most points per game and give up the 6th most expected points added per play.
While they seem to have found an incredible defensive front over the last two drafts, the rest remains suspect. Bleacher Report identified the Rams’ two top needs as cornerback and linebacker but singled out LB because both starters at the position aren’t under contract next season.
Will The Los Angeles Rams Prioritize Linebacker In The Offseason? IS Nick Bolton The Answer In Free Agency?
“Linebacker has been one of the defense’s biggest weaknesses this season. Additionally, Christian Rozeboom and Troy Reeder and impending free agents, so the position will likely be a priority this spring.”
They also named who they feel is the best option for the team at the position: former Kansas City Chiefs second-round pick, Nick Bolton.
“Bolton will probably be the top backer on the open market. He’s an impressive run defender who has racked up 441 total tackles and 31 tackles for loss in his career heading into this weekend, including 89 and 10 in 2024. Also, he’s been decent in coverage with 12 passes defended and doesn’t turn 25 until March.”
The Rams will go into 2025 with rookie Omar Speights in the position. He has two more years on his contract, but as an undrafted free agent has the ability to renegotiate his contract with any team after next season. Speights has certainly outplayed his UDFA expectations, but the team will need another backer to play alongside him next season.
The Rams have never prioritized the position, evidenced by their trading of Ernest Jones earlier this season. And the team has paid the consequences of their decision. The defense leads the NFC in missed tackles and allow the fifth most rushing yards per game.