Rams Linebacker Landman Named Defensive Signal-Caller Amid Team Praise

The Los Angeles Rams are shaping up to have a strong season with key contributions from their linebacker group, especially Nate Landman, who has impressed during training camp and earned the role of defensive signal-caller. Landman, signed on a one-year deal, has demonstrated leadership, awareness, and a knack for forcing fumbles, drawing praise from head coach Sean McVay for his natural leadership and impactful plays. Young defensive talents like Jared Verse, the 2024 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year, also bolster the Rams' defense, with Verse earning recognition on the NFL’s Top 100 Players of 2025 list due to his standout rookie season performance. Despite a strong defensive line, the linebacker corps has been viewed as lacking in established stars, making the emergence of players like Landman and Omar Speights critical for the team's success. McVay and position coach Greg Williams have highlighted the progress of the linebackers, while ESPN analyst Ben Solak noted the Rams' defense struggled last season but showed improvement over time under coordinator Chris Shula. Offensively, the Rams remain well-coached with playmakers like Matthew Stafford and Davante Adams, but the defense's development, particularly at linebacker, will be pivotal to their championship aspirations.