The Los Angeles Rams are looking to return to the playoffs after a heartbreaking defeat to the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC Divisional Round.
Los Angeles has veteran presence to lead the Rams on the field, but the younger players on the team can help lead the team to a possible Super Bowl.
Joseph Acosta of SB Nation labeled the Los Angeles Rams’ young core as the fourth-best in the NFL.
“The Rams have struck gold in recent drafts, finding impact players on both sides of the ball, which lands them on this list. The headliners are [Puka] Nacua and [Jared] Verse, both phenomenal in their own ways on the offensive and defensive side of the ball,” Acosta wrote for SB Nation. “When you go down the roster, though, there’s still some really fun young guys on rookie deals.”
“Starting guard Steve Avila, defensive tackles Kobie Turner and Braden Fiske, Kyren Williams at running back. There’s an argument to be made that the Rams should be higher. But I feel like the misses at DB late in the draft hold them back a little bit.”
The Defensive Line
GettyLos Angeles Rams defensive lineman Kobie Turner
The Rams’ defensive line had three players who logged 7.5 sacks or more last season — Fiske led the team with 8.5 sacks, Turner was second with 8 and EDGE rusher Byron Young at third with 7.5.
Jared Verse won the 2025 Defensive Rookie of the Year award, beating teammate Fiske, who finished third in the award voting. Verse recorded 4.5 sacks in his rookie season.
Any offensive line would have to spend more time planning against a defensive line where any player can show up.
“This realistically could be the best pass rush in the NFL. They were one of the best pass rush in playoff history last year,” CBS Sports’ Mike Renner said. “Their core, the four guys that really made that big impact, they’re all within their first two years in the NFL… it could be a very, very scary unit for years to come.”
Pro Football Talk named the Rams as the ninth-best defensive line ahead of the 2025-26 season.
Rams Offensive Weapons
GettyLos Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua.
Wide receiver Puka Nacua has been one of the best receivers in the league since he was drafted.
Nacua hauled in 990 receiving yards and three touchdowns in 11 games played in his second season in the NFL.
With the addition of Davante Adams, the former BYU Cougar has the opportunity to learn from a three-time All-Pro receiver and elevate his game.
“The ability to learn from another all-time great has been — I feel like I’m stealing — I’m like a kid in the candy store. I’ve had Matthew Stafford, Sean McVay, Cooper Kupp and now Davante Adams. My life is pretty good, I can’t complain too much. It’s gonna be fun,” Puka said on The Insiders, via NFL.
The Rams retained receiver Tutu Atwell on a one-year deal, $10 million contract; Atwell logged 562 yards last season.
Also in the Rams’ receiver room is Jordan Whittington, who is entering his second season, and achieved 293 receiving yards in his rookie season.
Los Angeles drafted tight end Terrance Ferguson in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft.
With the young guys ready to leap, the future looks bright for the Rams.
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