The Los Angeles Rams finished the 2024 NFL season with plenty of promise, especially on the defensive side of the ball. Sean McVay appeared to have his front four of the future set with Jared Verse, Braden Fiske, Kobie Turner and Byron Young. They added Poona Ford to this mix as well.
McVay also had a solid secondary with Darious Williams, Kam Curl, Kamren Kinchens, Ahkello Witherspoon and Quentin Lake. But where there were question marks was at linebacker. Troy Reeder and Omar Speights had strong moments, but clearly were not going to be able to lift the ceiling of L.A.’s defense.
The Rams didn’t make any major acquisitions at linebacker in the offseason, except for a fourth-year undrafted 26-year-old named Nate Landman. He spent his first three years with the Atlanta Falcons, starting in 23 our of 36 games played, but never made significant noise league-wide.
But at Rams training camp, he’s had the green dot on and has formed an instant fan in McVay with the way he plays, communicates and leads.
“He’s been awesome,” McVay said. “He’s a great communicator. He’s got great command. He’s got the ability to elevate people. He’s got a great feel for attacking the football. He got another punch out today. I just like the way that this guy’s got a great vibe.
“He’s just got some natural leadership traits and communication skills, where he understands what’s going on from an all-22 perspective. I think when you’re talking about a guy that’s at that inside linebacker position, it’s key and critical. He’s done a great job leading the way for that group.”
Sometimes, improving the defense is not about going after stars. It’s about getting the right pieces to fit together at the right time. Landman was not on anyone’s radar as a free agent, but McVay and the Rams saw something in him, and that already seems to be paying off.
The Rams are — once again — slated to have one of the youngest and cheapest defenses in all of football. But, unlike last season, they are going into the year projected to rank in the top half, at the very least. Landman may surprisingly be a significant part of that equation.
Sean McVay feels good about Rams secondary
The Rams flirted with the idea of a reunion with All-Pro cornerback Jalen Ramsey, but the Miami Dolphins ultimately traded him to the Pittsburgh Steelers last month.
The Rams also passed on the opportunity of signing former Green Bay Packers cornerback Jaire Alexander after not making any major moves to their secondary at the start of free agency.
If the Rams wanted to add another cornerback before the regular season, their best available options would be Asante Samuel Jr., Stephon Gilmore, Rasul Douglas and Mike Hilton.
However, McVay does not believe any additions are necessary and said he is happy with the Rams secondary going into the 2025 season.
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