Rams' Linebacker Strategy: Low Investment, High Efficiency

0:00On March 31st, every off-season, Los Angeles Rams fans clamor for a real upgrade at linebacker, but the team sticks to the bare minimum. Since Shaw McVeigh took over in 2017, they've never dropped a top 100 draft pick on the position. Instead, they roll with undrafted free agents like Corey Littleton, Christian Roseboom, Troy Reader, and now Omar Spites. They did buck the trend a bit by extending Nate Landman after a one-year deal worth $1.1 million, but that was mostly to lock in, though, defense during their title push. Last summer, they even cut fifth-rounder Chris Paul Jr. for another undrafted guy, and before that, they traded Ernest Jones for Spates. Fans aren't wrong to push back. Spites has probably topped out, and Landman's coverage issues showed up late in the season. Everyone wants competition for Spates, and a better partner for Landman to shore up the middle. Heading into the 2026 draft, the Rams feels set with Landman locked through 2027, Grant Steward handling special teams. Spates as a two-year starter,

1:04and Sean Doleck earning props from players and fans alike. They've only carried five linebackers twice since 2017, usually sticking to three or four with tight roster spots. From the front office view, no early draft splash makes sense. They like what they've got in might just grab an undrafted free agent for practice. Squad depth. It's classic Rams at linebacker, low investment, high efficiency.