In a Los Angeles Rams linebacker room searching for leadership and consistency, Nate Landman is already standing out.
The former Falcons standout, who signed a one-year deal with L.A. in March after Atlanta chose not to tender him as a restricted free agent, has wasted no time establishing himself in training camp. Landman, already familiar with the Rams’ scheme due to his time with former defensive coordinator Raheem Morris and current Rams senior defensive assistant Jimmy Lake, has transitioned “seamlessly” into the defense, according to linebackers coach Greg Williams.
Nate Landman Makes a Case For Los Angeles Rams Starting LB Job
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“He’s come in and guys respect him just from where he’s been and what he’s done,” Williams told team reporters. “He’s taken into our defense just seamlessly.”
That command was on full display Thursday during a padded practice, where Landman consistently drew the eyes of teammates during pre-snap huddles—a strong indicator of his early leadership presence. As Stu Jackson of theRams.com noted, “Whenever the defense huddled, he consistently had the eyes and attention of every teammate pre-snap.”
That presence comes as the Rams prepare to sort through a crowded but unproven four-man competition for two starting inside linebacker spots. Troy Reeder returns to the team after spending the back half of the year on injured reserve. Former undrafted Omar Speights looks to followup a breakout rookie year. The team also added Chris Paul Jr. in the fifth round of the NFL Draft. With no clear-cut incumbents, Landman’s intelligence, experience, and immediate respect in the locker room have vaulted him to the front of the pack.
How did he get here?
After entering the NFL as an undrafted free agent out of Colorado in 2022, Landman quietly climbed the ranks in Atlanta. He was thrust into a starting role in 2023 following an injury to Troy Andersen and delivered, notching 110 total tackles, three forced fumbles, two sacks, and an interception in 14 games. Per Next Gen Stats, Landman’s 77 “stops”—tackles resulting in a negative Expected Points Added (EPA) for the offense—ranked 12th among all NFL linebackers.
While injuries briefly derailed his season, his high football IQ never wavered. “You’re just talking about a high-level ball thinker,” said Morris. “He does a lot of really good things for us.”
The Rams seem to agree. Landman already has the trust of the coaching staff, a deep understanding of the scheme, and the respect of his teammates. If he can stay healthy, it’s not a question of whether he’ll play—it’s how big a role he’ll command.
As camp progresses, Nate Landman has taken the first step toward locking down a starting spot—and it’s looking less like a camp battle and more like a coronation.
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