Between now and the July 22 training camp report date at Loyola Marymount University for rookies and veterans, theRams.com will be taking an updated look at positions on the team's roster.
The series continues with a refresher on inside linebacker.
Key offseason moves
- Signed Nate Landman to a one-year deal. The 26-year-old played the last three seasons with the Falcons and has been praised by Rams head coach Sean McVay for his leadership and presence this spring.
- Drafted Ole Miss' Pooh Paul Jr. in the fifth round. Inside linebackers coach Greg Williams has loved the rookie's aggressiveness and preparation so far.
- Re-signed Troy Reeder. Returning after an injury-shortened 2024 season, he has familiarity with the defense and gives Williams a "comfort level" with the way he can communicate with the rest of the room.
Who's under contract
2024 stats: 81 total tackles, one pass defensed and three forced fumbles while starting nine of 13 games played for Atlanta last season.
2024 stats: 67 total tackles and two passes defensed while starting in 10 of 17 regular season games played. Also started both playoff games and picked up his first career sack in the divisional round.
2024 stats: 46 total tackles and one pass defensed starting the first six games before landing on season-ending Injured Reserve.
2024 stats: Led Ole Miss in total tackles (88) and added 3.5 sacks, nine QB hurries, four pass breakups, one interception and one fumble recovery while starting 11 of 12 games played in his final collegiate season.
2024 stats: Played five games with all of those snaps coming on special teams before being waived in late October and subsequently re-signed to the team's practice squad.
2024 stats: Signed to the team's practice squad in late October and spent the remainder of the season on it.
2024 stats: Led the country in tackles with a school-record 168 and added 18.5 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, five interceptions and five pass breakups while starting all 13 games in his final collegiate season at University at Buffalo.
What's next
Defining roles, blending the old with the new and continuing to solve last season's problems. This year's group has a mix of veteran experience (Landman and Reeder) and young players who saw playing time in various capacities (Speights, and early in the season, Neal). Williams told theRams.com that Landman has transitioned seamlessly into the defense (carryover from the Falcons) and stepped into a leadership role in the room, mentoring the younger players. Defining roles and the aforementioned problem-solving – addressing some of the issues against the run – will go hand-in-hand.
