The Los Angeles Rams bolstered their defensive line when they selected Michigan edge rusher Josaiah Stewart with the No. 90 overall pick in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft.
Stewart’s senior season with the Wolverines included 33 tackles, 8.5 sacks and two forced fumbles in 11 games. He totaled 150 tackles and 30 sacks in two seasons at Michigan (51 games) after beginning his collegiate career with Coastal Carolina.
With the departure of Michael Hoecht in free agency, Stewart should get some opportunities from the jump as a rotational pass rusher if he has an impressive camp.
However, the 22-year-old said he is open to any role with the Rams next season if it helps them win games, via Wyatt Miller of TheRams.com:
“One thing (I learned at Michigan) for sure I would say is just knowing your role. I mean, coming in from Coastal (Carolina), from being the guy, from being the pass rusher, All-American, record sack leader, to coming to Michigan and being a role player and a rotational guy taught me a lot, man. It taught me what it means to win and what you got to do to play a role and win, man. I’m all about winning, so I’ll do whatever it takes.”
Stewart’s experience of taking on multiple roles in college should help him prepare for whatever the Rams may ask of him during the 2025 season.
L.A. expects big things from Stewart as head coach Sean McVay recently compared him to Braden Fiske and Jared Verse, both of whom had similar paths to the NFL before going on to enjoy excellent rookie seasons. The Rams have a young, talented defensive line, and the hope is that Stewart will be able to fit in seamlessly with that group.
Josaiah Stewart reflects on being drafted by Rams
Josaiah Stewart reflected on being drafted by the Rams and believes it was a culmination of all the hard work he put in along the way.
“Just the emotions running through me on that phone call, man, I just couldn’t hold it in,” Stewart said of getting the call from Rams general manager Les Snead and head coach Sean McVay.
“Even right now, just thinking back on it, everything that went into this moment and all the people that were here supporting me and hearing them, how proud they were of me and everything I do this for, they were all there. I’m just glad it all worked out. I’m just happy to be a Ram. Let’s do it.”
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