The Los Angeles Rams’ defensive line depth chart is beginning to take shape for the 2025 season, but a key roster battle remains unsettled. After an impressive performance against the Los Angeles Chargers in the preseason, veteran Desjuan Johnson appears to have solidified his spot, leaving the final defensive end position contested between 2020 fifth-round pick Larrell Murchison and 2025 fifth-round pick Ty Hamilton.
Desjuan Johnson Makes Statement Vs. Chargers
Get LAFB’s World Famous ‘Ring Me’ Aaron Donald T-Shirt
Johnson, who displayed the same penetration ability that helped him finish the 2024 season strong, paved the way for fellow defensive lineman Brennan Jackson to make his statement. Jackson recorded two sacks on the night, while Johnson tallied five pressures, leading the team and reinforcing his value as a rotational piece. “Johnson has continued to show the ability to create opportunities for others,” defensive line coach Giff Smith said.
The Rams’ defensive line has seen significant turnover since last season. With the departures of Bobby Brown III and Neville Gallimore in free agency, the Rams added veteran Poona Ford on a three-year deal to anchor the interior and drafted Ohio State’s Ty Hamilton to bolster depth. Ford has already impressed the coaching staff with his versatility as a run-stopper and occasional pass rusher. Hamilton, meanwhile, ranked eighth in run stop rate among interior defensive linemen drafted in 2025, giving the Rams hope that he can contribute early.
Tyler Davis, who saw limited action last season with 299 defensive snaps, has emerged as a likely mainstay in the rotation alongside Johnson, Poona Ford, Kobie Turner, and Braden Fiske. Davis recorded 29 tackles and 0.5 sacks across 16 games last season and has continued to show promise in training camp. Turner praised Davis’ development, saying he is already among the team’s top four defensive linemen. Against the New Orleans Saints in a recent joint scrimmage, Davis demonstrated his ability to disrupt the pocket and make solid tackles against running backs, cementing his role in the defensive front.
Rams Rookie Ty Hamilton And Larrell Murchison Battle For Roster Spot
While Johnson, Davis, Turner, Fiske, and Ford appear secure, the battle between Murchison and Hamilton remains tight. Murchison outperformed Hamilton slightly against the Chargers, recording three pressures compared to Hamilton’s two, but the difference was marginal. The outcome of this competition will likely determine the final defensive end spot on the 53-man roster.
Coach Smith emphasized that the Rams’ defensive line is working toward more synchronized play. “As time goes on, they learn by the communication within the game, it gives them more opportunities to make plays,” he said. “When they can communicate with a wink or a nod or a hand signal, that’s when you know they’re figuring it out.”
With Johnson’s preseason performance securing his role and Hamilton and Murchison battling for the last roster spot, the Rams’ defensive line depth looks strong heading into the regular season. The mix of veteran experience and young talent, including Ford’s savvy and the maturation of Turner and Fiske, gives the team hope for both run defense stability and consistent pass-rush pressure.
As training camp progresses and the final 53-man roster comes into focus, all eyes will be on the Rams’ interior and edge rotation. If Hamilton can match Murchison’s consistency, the rookie could force his way into a key role on a defensive line already built to create disruption and capitalize on big-play opportunities.
Subscribe to LAFB Network’s Los Angeles Rams YouTube Channel