Following a solid 2025 season, Los Angeles Rams linebacker Nate Landman was excluded from being ranked among the NFL's top linebackers.
Los Angeles Rams linebacker Nate Landman was not included in the ranking of the NFL's top linebackers.
Over the past week, the top players at several positions have been ranked based on surveys compiled by ESPN writer Jeremy Fowler. The latest position to be ranked was the off-ball linebackers, which surprisingly did not include Landman anywhere on the list.
Landman not only missed out on the top 10, but he also did not receive an honorable mention or get any votes. Based on the season Landman has in 2025, this does come as a surprise and could raise questions about what more he could have done.
Last season, Landman recorded 132 tackles (No. 14 in the NFL), eight tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, one interception, six pass breakups, and four forced fumbles (Tied for No. 1 in the NFL). Regardless of the situation, Landman found ways to make plays and was one of the more consistent players for the Rams all season long.
It is also important to note that Landman's play against the run and the pass was found to be consistent when looking at PFF grades. According to PFF, Landman had a run defense grade of 75.5 (No. 25 among linebackers) and a pass coverage grade of 64.4 (No. 24 among linebackers).
The 2025 season was a great showing for Landman and proved that he has the ability to be the leader of the defense as the mike linebacker and make adjustments to opposing offenses as needed.
However, even with Landman's reliable performance as a run defender and in coverage, it does seem that the NFL overall may still be undervaluing him, as the league completely left him off this ranking.
For Landman not to even receive votes, when he performed as consistently as he did, is something that could definitely raise questions about the NFL's evaluation of him and could give him extra motivation heading into 2026.
With next season approaching, Landman could be in a great spot to have an even better season as a result of the Rams bringing in edge rusher Myles Garrett and cornerbacks Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson, in addition to defensive coordinator Chris Shula returning for another season.
Based on Garrett now lining up on the edge for the Rams, Landman may have an opportunity to create even more disruption with the attention that Garrett requires, as well as the other forces on the Los Angeles defensive line.
In the secondary, the duo of McDuffie and Watson could allow Shula to have more confidence that the Rams can hold up, which may allow Landman to be utilized more as a blitzer to put even more pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
The revamped secondary may also allow Landman to be more aggressive in zone coverage underneath to block passing angles and make plays on the ball to force more turnovers and put the Los Angeles offense in a great position to put up points.
As Landman enters the 2026 season, his ability to force turnovers, make tackles all over the field, and continue to emerge as a leader for this defense are all factors that could help this defense elevate into one of the top units in the league while also getting key contributions from stars like Garrett and McDuffie up front and in the secondary.
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