Rams’ most unforgiving roster fight is reaching its breaking point

Where do you see the Los Angeles Rams’ most heated position battle? Some might say the third wide receiver slot. Others might make a case for the second running back position. But if you are Moe Moton from Bleacher Report, you’d argue that the hottest position battle on the roster is at inside linebacker. And if you tracked who competed with the 1s during the joint scrimmage with the New Orleans Saints, you’d have a strong case.

The front office has amassed significant talent at the position in the offseason. While losing both Christian Rozeboom and Jake Hummel to free agency, the team re-signed Troy Reeder, signed free agent Nate Landman, drafted Chris "Pooh" Paul Jr., and signed undrafted free agent Shaun Dolac after the 2025 NFL Draft.

They join returning players Omar Speights, Elias Neal, and Tony Fields II in competition for no more than four open roster spots. That's going to set the stage for fierce competition, and we've seen that manifest repeatedly throughout training camp and preseason.

Rams' Nate Landman's peanut punch is wowing coaches

Defensive coordinator Chris Shula's defense may still be feeling its way, but it is far more potent this season than 2024. The roster that Shula inherited last year was built to former DC Raheem Morris' specifications, and Shula has introduced a far more physical and aggressive philosophy.

Landman was built for that style of football. Standing 6-foot-3 and weighing 235 pounds, he's a run-stuffing barrier. He also has an instinctive knack for forcing fumbles with a well-placed peanut punch that can pry the football from even the most secure grip.

The defense may be physical, but it specializes in creating well-timed turnovers. Landman is a custom fit for what this defense wants to do. Still, the defense cannot be run with only one inside linebacker.

Speights showed up big in the joint scrimmage. He was credited with delivering a huge hit on Saints running back Kendre Miller. Even as both teams agreed to play the 1s, Rams coaches took the opportunity to rotate both Paul Jr. and Dolac in with the starters as off-ball linebackers.

Both Landman and Speights are perfectly suited for the run-stuffing ILB role, while Paul Jr. and Dolac are ideal for the off-ball role. Hopefully, the coaching staff finds the optimal configuration, as the defense needs both roles maximized to play at a high level this season.

Competition remains hot, and Game 2 of the preseason should be a treat. The Los Angeles Chargers have already committed to playing their starters against the Rams’ backups, which will be a huge test for young players eager to make the team. They couldn’t ask for a better challenge. As always, thanks for reading.