The L.A. Rams defensive line is built different this year, with defensive line coach Giff Smith forging a unit so interchangeable, you’ll barely recognize where anyone lines up. This isn’t your daddy’s 5-2 base defense with high shell coverages anymore. Defensive coordinator Chris Shula’s schemes are shape-shifting, and these guys are ready to feast. L.A. is leaning HARD on that defensive interior, switching to sub defensive packages a whopping 75 percent of the time last year. They want their front to get pressure without blitzing much, running the second-fewest blitz calls in the NFL at 18 percent. And get this: Shula’s using light boxes 56 percent of the time to bait opponents into running the ball. This is a bold strategy, and with almost every snap recipient from last year back, it’s a tight room to break into for any new faces. Only Jack Heflin, with his 8 reps, is gone.
The Untouchable Core: Turner’s Dominance and Ford’s Grit
Leading the charge is Kobie Turner, a 6’2”, 290 lb force of nature who’s been an absolute rock in the Rams interior for three seasons. This dude has played every single regular season game (all 51 of ’em!) and every playoff matchup. Talk about durable! Pro Football Focus just ranked him the 59th best player in the entire NFL and the 4th best defensive tackle out there. His 69 pressures in 2025 were second-best across the league, period. Yeah, he might not have the biggest mass or arm length, but his build is stout, powerful, and he plays with low pads and a motor that never quits. He’s got nimble footwork, crazy agility, and a bag full of pass rush moves, making him bursty and powerful on stunts, loops, and twists. If blockers latch onto him, good luck, because he just eludes them. He pursues the ball, he tackles well, and his hand fighting skills are top-notch.
Poona Ford: The Run-Stuffing Anchor
Then you’ve got Poona Ford, built like a fireplug at 6’ and 314 lbs with good arm length. The Rams brought him in last season as a free agent specifically to rebuild their run defense, and he did exactly that. L.A.’s run defense shot up from 27th in Expected Points Added (EPA) per play in 2024 to 8th in 2025, and Ford was a massive reason for that upgrade. He’s 31 now, with eight seasons battling in the middle of a gang fight, so his roughly 50 percent snap share as part of the interior rotation seems spot on. His thick build, strong lower half, and low pad level give him leverage and a strong anchor. When he’s double-teamed, he corkscrews his leg into the turf and holds his ground. Plus, this dude is sneaky quick through gaps when opponents aren’t squared up. He’s a power-based pass rusher, too, meaning the Rams got a true two-way wrecking ball.
This Rams defensive line is absolutely loaded and ready to cause chaos. With Turner playing like one of the best DTs in the league and Ford anchoring that run defense, they’re set to make a serious statement with their unique scheme. Expect fireworks and plenty of celebrations from this crew.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Turf Show Times.
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