Edge rusher has been a tough nut to crack for the Los Angeles Rams. Over the Sean McVay years, they have tried at varying levels of success to pair an outside linebacker with Aaron Donald.
But now they have fully reset their defensive front and have used their first first-round since 2016 to address the position and find themselves replete with talent across the depth chart.
The Rams typically keep five outside linebackers on the roster
Projecting Los Angeles Rams Edge Rusher Depth Chart
Starting Rotation: Jared Verse, Byron Young, Michael Hoecht
While Jared Verse is a first-rounder, he is also a rookie. His skills and arsenal will still need to develop over the season. As such, the Rams will use him in rotation with Byron Young and Michael Hoecht, who have different skill sets and a bit more experience.
The team will benefit from putting players in situations that match their aptitude. Hoecht on first downs, Young in on passing downs and in blitzes, etc…
Situational Outside Linebackers: Brennan Jackson, Nick Hampton
Former 2023 fifth-rounder, Nick Hampton has shown serious pass rush chops in limited playing time. He is fourth among edge rushers in the preseason in regards to win percentage and is tied for the 8th most pressures.
McVay said he thought Brennan Jackson had “really shown up” early in camp but hasn’t practiced recently while dealing with a soft tissue injury. But as a 2024 fourth-rounder, many teams will have their eye on him and therefore the Rams can’t risk cutting him and hoping he will clear waivers.
Practice Squad Hopefuls: Ochaun Matthis, Zach VanValkenburg
This isn’t the players that hopefully make the practice squad, but ones that the Rams can hopefully resign once they hit the waiver wire.
Ochaun Matthis offers a ton in coverage and Zach VanValkenburg flashed against the Dallas Cowboys, leading the team with six pressures.
The position is in such high demand it is hard to imagine the Rams keeping both.
