A look at the current defensive line on the Los Angeles Rams and what the plan may be for the group in 2026.
The Los Angeles Rams defensive line is one of the bright spots on the entire roster.
That was the case before the blockbuster trade for Myles Garrett, and that is certainly the case after the fact.
Trading for Garrett was a move that many teams would make nine times out of ten, and fortunately for the Rams, they were able to land arguably the best player in the NFL.
That puts their defensive line in a great position, as Garrett joins a group that was outstanding without him. Now, the expectations are as high as ever for one of Chris Shula’s units.
Here is where that room stands ahead of training camp, and some big questions regarding the unit entering the season.
Rams Defensive Linemen on the Roster
Myles Garrett
The two-time Defensive Player of the Year is coming off a season where he recorded an NFL record 23 sacks.
Trading for Garrett was a no-brainer, regardless of the price the Rams had to pay. The 30-year-old's presence should elevate not only the defensive line but the entire defense, while making Los Angeles an even more formidable team overall.
His addition puts the Rams in the best position possible to hoist their third Lombardi Trophy in franchise history.
Kobie Turner
Turner is coming off his best season as a pro. The soon-to-be fourth-year defensive tackle was elite, establishing himself as one of the most disruptive interior defensive linemen in the NFL.
From his pass rush to the run defense, Turner was great to above average in all facets.
His leadership, toughness, and poise are attributes that the Rams will once again look to for what they hope is a long 2026 season.
Poona Ford
The Rams struggled mightily in the run-stopping department prior to 2025, which is why the addition of Ford was a huge win for them, and that proved to be the case.
Ford was a game-changer for the Rams, helping transform their run defense from a below-average unit into one of the NFL's best. The 30-year-old earned an 86.0 overall defensive grade, ranking fourth among all qualified interior defenders, underscoring the impact he made in the middle of the defensive line.
Byron Young
Young had a breakout season in 2025 and is poised for a standout season in 2026. The 28-year-old recorded career-highs across the board, recording 82 total tackles, 115 pressures, and 12 sacks, which was tied for eighth in the league.
A lingering knee injury hampered his production in the second half of the season; however, if he remains healthy throughout the season, those numbers could balloon – especially with Garrett now in the picture.
Braden Fiske
Fiske’s 2025 season did not go as expected due to injuries; however, his 2026 campaign is expected to be highly anticipated, with hopes that he can return to full strength and make a bigger impact for the Rams.
Like Young , Fiske could benefit heavily from the addition of Garrett.
Josaiah Stewart
The rookie edge rusher was used more as a rotational depth piece. Barring any injuries to the line, that will continue to be the case for Stewart.
Stewart played in all 17 games in 2025, where he recorded 22 total tackles, three sacks and six quarterback hits.
As for 2026, if things go his way, there is a chance the Rams will rely on him, as he is expected to take more defensive snaps.
Larrell Murchison
The veteran defensive end will serve as a versatile rotational piece and a primary depth option for the Rams.
He returns to the team after signing a one-year deal and will compete for a roster spot behind starters like Turner and Fiske.
Ty Hamilton
Hamilton is set to enter year two, and this offseason could be make or break for the defensive lineman.
Hamilton must prove that he can handle the responsibilities of a rotational role and that he can be above average against the run.
Tyler Davis
Davis is the Rams' most important depth piece on the defensive line. The 25-year-old proved that he is a highly capable, well-rounded defender, particularly shining against the run.
Biggest Defensive Linemen Questions
Will Aaron Donald come back to take this defensive line from lethal to damn near impossible to stop?
Although Donald has been out of the game for the last two seasons, his potential return has caused many to envision him and Garrett together. We’ll get a better sense of when he might or might not return.
Which linemen stands to gain more from the arrival of Garrett? Granted, he may improve the pass rush as a whole but this could lead to Young potentially having an even bigger 2026.
More training camp primers:
