Josiah Stewart has already learned how to redefine individual success within a loaded defensive front.
Before joining the Los Angeles Rams, Stewart went from serving as Coastal Carolina’s premier pass rusher to playing within a Michigan rotation filled with future NFL players. Instead of allowing fewer opportunities to affect his approach, Stewart learned to focus on executing his assignment and contributing to winning.
“Just knowing your role,” Stewart told LAFB. “It was about everybody playing their role, going in there, not having a big head and understanding what the main goal is – and that’s winning.”
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That experience should continue to serve Stewart as he enters his second NFL season. With Myles Garrett commanding attention and the Rams expected to rotate multiple pass rushers, Stewart may not play every snap. However, the strength of the group could help him stay fresh and create favorable opportunities when he enters the game.
“Offensive lines are going to be fatigued going against our defensive line and our rotation,” Josiah Stewart said. “It is about staying fresh and getting after it.”
Stewart is also taking advantage of the opportunity to study Garrett. While fans may focus on Garrett’s power and athleticism, Stewart pointed to the veteran’s ability to maintain his pad level consistently throughout a play.
The Rams have also encouraged Stewart to maintain his own identity as a pass rusher. He said the coaching staff allows defenders to add their own style as long as they remain in the correct position and handle their assignments.
“They do a good job of letting us do what we’re good at and allowing us to put our own flavor and style into the game,” Stewart said.
Josiah Stewart’s role may fluctuate within a deep Rams front, but that is familiar territory. His time at Michigan taught him that making an impact is not always about collecting the most snaps or sacks. Sometimes, it is about making the opportunities available to him matter.