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 outside linebacker.
Key offseason moves
- Selected Michigan OLB Josaiah Stewart in the third round of this year's draft. This was a position of need after Michael Hoecht signed with the Bills in free agency. Pro Football Focus says his 27.7% pass rush win rate was the best in the nation last season among edge rushers with at least 90 such snaps played.
Who's under contract
2024 stats: 66 total tackles (11 for loss) and 4.5 sacks in 17 games played (16 starts). Won AP NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year. Six tackles (three for loss) two sacks, and a fumble recovery touchdown in two playoff starts.
2024 stats: 62 total tackles (12 for loss) and 7.5 sacks in 17 games (16 starts). Six tackles and 1.5 sacks in two playoff starts.
2024 stats: Three total tackles and one pass defensed in 14 games played.
2024 stats: 3 total tackles and one pass defensed in seven games played (one start).
2024 stats: Three total tackles (one for loss) as a starter in his lone game played. Three tackles in two playoff games.
2024 stats: 27 total tackles (two for loss) while starting in 10 of 13 games played in his final collegiate season at USC.
2024 stats: 42 total tackles (six for loss) and 3.5 sacks in 12 games played in his final collegiate season at Rice.
What's next
Building on the success of last season, particularly from a pass rush standpoint, and finding Hoecht's replacement in the rotation. It should make sense that the outside linebackers' offseason goal is nearly identical to the defensive line – figuring out how to rush off on one another, etc. – given how closely tied the success of the defense is to the connectedness of both groups. As for Hoecht, he was an integral part of the rotation not just from a production standpoint, but because of his leadership and football IQ.
