Countdown to Camp is a series breaking down the Rams roster by position group heading into training camp. The fifth installment examines inside linebacker.
The Rams' inside linebacker room will look different in 2025. Free agent signing Nate Landman, fifth-round draft pick Chris "Pooh" Paul Jr., and undrafted free agent signing Shaun Dolac will join veteran Troy Reeder and last year's rookie standout, Omar Speights. L.A. lost leading tackler Christian Rozeboom in free agency, but have added more than enough talent to create intrigue and potential at the position.
When inside linebackers coach Greg Williams discussed players with theRams.com, he was optimistic about both new and familiar faces.
Landman has transitioned to the defense "seamlessly" after playing under former Rams defensive coordinator Raheem Morris last season in Atlanta, Williams said. Entering his fourth NFL season as a former undrafted free agent, Landman has played in 36 games including 23 starts (all over the past two seasons). In 2023, his 77 stops – defined by Next Gen Stats as "tackles that result in a successful play for the defense (negative Expected Points Added)" – were 12th-most among linebackers in the NFL.
Meanwhile, Paul's aggressiveness and preparation have impressed Williams in his first few months with the team. At Ole Miss last season, Paul totaled 88 tackles (11 for loss), 3.5 sacks, a fumble recovery and an interception. He missed just 4.5% of his tackle attempts, according to Pro Football Focus, ranking first among inside linebackers drafted in 2025.
After a stellar rookie year where he signed as an undrafted free agent before earning the starting job midseason, Speights is ready to build on that success. Last year featured 67 total tackles and two passes defended in 17 games and 10 starts, as well as two postseason starts. All Williams wants Speights to do is continue on his trajectory as "the definition of preparation and professionalism."
2025 undrafted free agent signing Shaun Dolac – who led the FBS in tackles at Buffalo last year with 168 – has taken to the Rams' scheme so quickly that he could "take you out and teach you the defense right now," Williams said. The question is, could he be this year's Speights?
Reeder, who started the first six games last season before landing on Injured Reserve with a hamstring injury for the rest of the year, re-signed with the team, giving Williams "a comfort level" because of his veteran leadership and communication skills. On the other end of the spectrum, Elias Neal and Tony Fields II will also return to the team after spending the majority of last season on the practice squad.
This inside linebackers unit is open for the taking, with a healthy mix of athletes in the equation. Overall, Williams is letting some of last year's faults guide this year's preparation.
"It's been just good knowing the defense and how people are going to attack us now," Williams said. "... It gives me a better chance of going into individual (drills), putting them in situations and letting their eye progression know like, 'Okay, these are the ways they're going to try to attack you, and this is the way we need to respond.'"
