Through the first two weeks of the 2025 NFL season, the Los Angeles Rams’ rookie class has mostly been quiet. Tight end Terrance Ferguson has logged only four offensive snaps, Jarquez Hunter has yet to touch the field, and defensive tackle Ty Hamilton has seen limited work in the trenches. But one rookie has wasted no time making his presence felt: edge rusher Josaiah Stewart.
According to The Athletic’s Austin Mock, Stewart is already among the NFL’s top “Rookie Splash Play” leaders through two weeks, checking in at 12.5 — behind only Atlanta Falcons rookie James Pearce (21.8) and ahead of Baltimore Ravens defensive tackle Aeneas Peebles (12.1). For a player who entered camp as a rotational option, Stewart’s impact has been both surprising and significant.
Making Noise Early
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Stewart has slotted in as the Rams’ No. 3 edge rusher behind Jared Verse and Byron Young, and he made his presence felt against the Tennessee Titans in Week 2. He notched the first sack of his career, adding two tackles and two quarterback hits. Pro Football Focus graded him as the fifth-best defender for the Rams that week, a testament to his efficiency — he rushed the passer just 14 times but generated three pressures.
Head coach Sean McVay praised Stewart’s all-around performance, not just his pass-rushing.
“I thought he was physical at the point of attack in the run game,” McVay said on The Coach McVay Show. “That was one of the things we loved about him coming out at Michigan. He’s learning, he’s tough, he’s got great hands, and he really has a great get-off. I’ve been really pleased with the way he’s played, but I thought yesterday was his best game. He obviously got on the board with the sack, but he was productive in both phases.”
That productivity has earned him more opportunities. After playing just 15 defensive snaps in Week 1, Stewart’s workload jumped to 25 in Week 2 — and with results like these, the Rams will have no choice but to keep increasing his role.
Why Stewart Matters to the Rams’ Defense
The Rams’ defense has been outstanding so far in 2025. Chris Shula’s unit ranks fourth in yards allowed per game (258.5), first in points allowed (14.0), and fourth in passing yards surrendered (147.0). They’ve already racked up eight sacks through two games — a stark contrast from last year’s slow start when they managed just three sacks at this point in the season.
Stewart’s emergence as a legitimate contributor is especially important because the Rams need a third edge threat. Byron Young leads the team with three sacks, and Jared Verse has shown promise, but with Michael Hoecht departing in free agency, there was a void in the rotation. Stewart is quickly filling it, providing speed and aggression off the edge at just 6-foot-1 and 249 pounds.
Analysts have noticed, too. NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah called Stewart “a personal favorite” in last year’s draft process, noting that while his undersized frame and average testing numbers pushed him down to the third round, his motor and play strength make him a quintessential Rams-type defender.
A Higher Ceiling Ahead For Josaiah Stewart
What makes Stewart’s rise so intriguing is how much room there still is to grow. Neither Verse nor Braden Fiske has recorded a sack yet, and Hamilton is still getting acclimated. As those players get more comfortable, the Rams’ already disruptive front could become overwhelming for opposing offenses.
In the meantime, Stewart is proving he can handle the jump to the NFL. He brings the same energy and production that earned him Second-Team All-Big Ten honors at Michigan, where he led a loaded defense in sacks (8.5), tackles for loss (13), and forced fumbles (two).
If Week 2 was a sign of things to come, Stewart won’t just be remembered as a role player. He’s on his way to being one of the Rams’ most important defenders — and maybe one of the biggest steals of the 2025 draft class.
Looking Ahead
The Rams face the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 3, a test that will demand discipline and pressure from the edge. Stewart may not be the headline name yet, but his speed, toughness, and growing confidence could make him a difference-maker in a matchup with NFC playoff implications.
Two weeks in, it’s clear: Josaiah Stewart is no longer just a developmental piece. He’s already making a big impact.
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