OFFICIAL 2026 Rams Defense Thread

[So Ram]

I don’t see $$ being a hurdle. Donald being more of a role player should temper his expectations on any back breaking contract. Donald being an on field and off field force will ensure the Rams more than fairly compensate him (and maybe reward him well with some performance bonuses).
With that said, it comes down to his ability to stoke his eternal flame.

What ?? As I see it ? We’ll see what happens. I’m just waiting for the preseason.
Actually training camp first.There’s going to be some nice matches up WE haven’t seen yet.

It was nice seeing B. Young (agent zero) getting recognized.The thing about a Pro Bowler #83 best players in The NFL cost money.He’s not called Zero Free Agent Money(ZFMA).

 

[fearsomefour]

Does he even make the roster ??
The Rams have a nicer group of DT’s & that isn’t even mentioning the rumors??

Hes in for a fight for sure.
Ty Hamilton did start to get a few more reps later last year.
I like Keenan and I think he will probably make the roster. He seems to be a good scheme fit and physically can learn to play that Ford role.
But, he's a 7th round pick trying to make a pretty good roster.

 

[Allen2McVay]

Hes in for a fight for sure.
Ty Hamilton did start to get a few more reps later last year.
I like Keenan and I think he will probably make the roster. He seems to be a good scheme fit and physically can learn to play that Ford role.
But, he's a 7th round pick trying to make a pretty good roster.

I'm thinking the down-linemen will be Turner, Ford, Fiske backed-up by Davis, Hamilton and Keenan. That's 6, leaving Murchison off-the-53. Never understood why they like Murchison so much but they seem to.

 

[fearsomefour]

I'm thinking the down-linemen will be Turner, Ford, Fiske backed-up by Davis, Hamilton and Keenan. That's 6, leaving Murchison off-the-53. Never understood why they like Murchison so much but they seem to.

I think Murchison is probably a solid, vet player.
Knows his role, knows the defense, is a pro and an inexpensive guy who won't be a locker room problem.
A solid vet sort of guy and thats it.

 

[Allen2McVay]

I think Murchison is probably a solid, vet player.
Knows his role, knows the defense, is a pro and an inexpensive guy who won't be a locker room problem.
A solid vet sort of guy and that's it.

And that's OK ... Even nice to have if you lack depth ... But I would hate to see Davis, Hamilton or Keenan (younger, with up-side and drafted players) lose a roster spot to Murchison.

 

[RamDino]

And that's OK ... Even nice to have if you lack depth ... But I would hate to see Davis, Hamilton or Keenan (younger, with up-side and drafted players) lose a roster spot to Murchison.

I don't think Tyler Davis is in any danger of losing his roster spot. Is this his 3rd year? I think he has done very well with his limited opportunities.

 

[fearsomefour]

And that's OK ... Even nice to have if you lack depth ... But I would hate to see Davis, Hamilton or Keenan (younger, with up-side and drafted players) lose a roster spot to Murchison.

I agree 100%.
I really like how Davis' game has grown.
Murchison is sort of the Reeder on the DL.....coaches trust him and he is just good enough to hang no to a spot.

 

[DzRams]

I don't think Tyler Davis is in any danger of losing his roster spot. Is this his 3rd year? I think he has done very well with his limited opportunities.

Agree on Davis.

I'm hoping Hamilton shows more this year, but at the moment, I don't think it would be a big deal if he lost his roster spot to Murchison.

 

[So Ram]

Hes in for a fight for sure.
Ty Hamilton did start to get a few more reps later last year.
I like Keenan and I think he will probably make the roster. He seems to be a good scheme fit and physically can learn to play that Ford role.
But, he's a 7th round pick trying to make a pretty good roster.

Well The Rams signed Murch again.What happens to him ?

Davies has been in the rotation for a few years now.What happens at LBer ?

Desjuan Johnson imo has Leaned Out & has been working hard as a DE maybe even OLB ? He use to be more of a twinner DE/DT,meaning was more inside than edge at times.He seems to have improved his Speed/Quickness.Kier Thomas is wearing #11(jimmy g’s old #) which might make him look quicker (lol).
Ty Hamilton is a higher pick & has a year of experience.He’s bigger(6’3) & stronger as well.Tim K111 is a roster move who will protect The Rams when Pona & Turner are gone next season.
-Kobie Turner is a little under & over rated.IMO has been an overachiever his first 3 seasons.Now from 28-31 his salary cap & production might not add up into the future.His character is a A+++ though which brings another element someone in that group that might need to fill that void.He helped save a couple seasons with his attitude & work ethic.

 

[PhillyRam]

I agree 100%.
I really like how Davis' game has grown.
Murchison is sort of the Reeder on the DL.....coaches trust him and he is just good enough to hang no to a spot.

If Donald stays retired, hoping one of the UDFAs takes Murchison's spot. We need a few young cheap steals to come through with the loss of draft capital.

 

[PhillyRam]

Well The Rams signed Murch again.What happens to him ?

Davies has been in the rotation for a few years now.What happens at LBer ?

Desjuan Johnson imo has Leaned Out & has been working hard as a DE maybe even OLB ? He use to be more of a twinner DE/DT,meaning was more inside than edge at times.He seems to have improved his Speed/Quickness.Kier Thomas is wearing #11(jimmy g’s old #) which might make him look quicker (lol).
Ty Hamilton is a higher pick & has a year of experience.He’s bigger(6’3) & stronger as well.Tim K111 is a roster move who will protect The Rams when Pona & Turner are gone next season.
-Kobie Turner is a little under & over rated.IMO has been an overachiever his first 3 seasons.Now from 28-31 his salary cap & production might not add up into the future.His character is a A+++ though which brings another element someone in that group that might need to fill that void.He helped save a couple seasons with his attitude & work ethic.

"Murch" has a vet min contract. It guarantees him nothing. Keenan takes his spot easily or a potential UDFA.

 

[fearsomefour]

Well The Rams signed Murch again.What happens to him ?

Davies has been in the rotation for a few years now.What happens at LBer ?

Desjuan Johnson imo has Leaned Out & has been working hard as a DE maybe even OLB ? He use to be more of a twinner DE/DT,meaning was more inside than edge at times.He seems to have improved his Speed/Quickness.Kier Thomas is wearing #11(jimmy g’s old #) which might make him look quicker (lol).
Ty Hamilton is a higher pick & has a year of experience.He’s bigger(6’3) & stronger as well.Tim K111 is a roster move who will protect The Rams when Pona & Turner are gone next season.
-Kobie Turner is a little under & over rated.IMO has been an overachiever his first 3 seasons.Now from 28-31 his salary cap & production might not add up into the future.His character is a A+++ though which brings another element someone in that group that might need to fill that void.He helped save a couple seasons with his attitude & work ethic.

The Rams have Johnson listed at SLB behind Garrett.

 

[PARAM]

"Murch" has a vet min contract. It guarantees him nothing. Keenan takes his spot easily or a potential UDFA.

Are vet contracts still guaranteed (for the year) if they're on the roster week 1? That might work against a middle of the road vet, if a talented rookie is involved.

 

[Soul Surfer]

Does he even make the roster ??
The Rams have a nicer group of DT’s & that isn’t even mentioning the rumors??

Our practice squad could be loaded with talent this year. Especially lineman. Let's hope other teams don't notice that there is good rotational and second string talent on our practice squad.

 

[So Ram]

The Rams have Johnson listed at SLB behind Garrett.

I think you mean Keir Thomas ? Then again who knows from the Rams site ?

 

[So Ram]

Our practice squad could be loaded with talent this year. Especially lineman. Let's hope other teams don't notice that there is good rotational and second string talent on our practice squad.

Not sure where the most depth is ?? I guess TE will be a position to keep an eye out for,plus safety

 

[IowaRam]

The new kids

 

[Allen2McVay]

I think you mean Keir Thomas ? Then again who knows from the Rams site ?

No, he got it right.

Desjuan Johnson was used almost exclusively as an Edge last year.

Johnson and Thomas are both Edge players, backing-up Garrett, Young and Stewart.

 

[André]

No, he got it right.

Desjuan Johnson was used almost exclusively as an Edge last year.

Johnson and Thomas are both Edge players, backing-up Garrett, Young and Stewart.

Tomon Fox, Wesley Bailey and Darryl Peterson will also be competing for depth at OLB/Edge.

 

[So Ram]

No, he got it right.

Desjuan Johnson was used almost exclusively as an Edge last year.

Johnson and Thomas are both Edge players, backing-up Garrett, Young and Stewart.

I got that from what I am seeing.

I guess my point was Keir Thomas is listed as a OLB as well as Stewart & Young.

Myles & say Fiske,Turner,Murch are listed as DE.Which begs to differ? I’m saying though that he looks really that much faster this offseason (OTA’s). This coming from
him being on the bubble to last year really stepping it up for BYoung.

If we look at the end of the 2025/6 season & playoffs.The Pass Rush suffered a bit compared to say when Darnold was playing with the Vikings as an example vs. the Seahags winning the Superbowl.I reference that only because IMO Johnson really felt his effort was there ,but the body wasn’t were it needed to be to play OLB.He was just a touch slow & or a touch tired and lacking that FINISH he had to have to pressure or sack the QB.

Myself as I’m getting older need to find away to put such a thing together to compete against those goals I have set forth in front of me.Hard to compare in away,but then again there is a lot of things that play into it.My mind is the first to SET & to hold that accountability to help achieve what that is.Health (injury),conditioning,stretching,
body maintenance,diet.

I know I always go in a different direction,but I like what I’m seeing in D. Johnson & am impressed in his play who is going to add more serious depth because of his work ethic if he keeps it up.Garret should help add to his accomplishments.
We can continue to GO,but that would be for the other mm BBB be