What makes Rams 2026 season preview so bullish?
Rams 2026 season preview arrives amid a swirl of offseason moves, trade chatter, and rising defensive stars. Fans have reason to be excited. The team added a game changer and boosted depth across the defensive front.
As a result this piece breaks down what matters most for Los Angeles this year. Braden Fiske and Byron Young are central to that optimism. Fiske flashed pass rush ability as a rookie, and Young turned into a Pro Bowl force last season.
More importantly the arrival of a top tier edge presence should free those players to make plays. Therefore the Rams now boast a deeper and more dynamic front than many expected. As training camp nears trade chatter will only grow and competition will sharpen.
In the sections that follow we will unpack roster moves hidden gems and matchup watch points. Join us as we assess how the Rams can turn offseason momentum into wins this season.
Rams 2026 season preview: Defensive depth and who will make the splash
Los Angeles transformed its trench play this offseason. The trade for Myles Garrett adds an elite edge presence. As a result opponents will often double Garrett, which should free up teammates to make game changing plays.
Braden Fiske and Byron Young give the Rams a balanced interior and edge rotation. Fiske flashed as a rookie with 8.5 sacks, then added three last year. ESPN metrics also tied Fiske for the seventh highest pass rush win rate among defensive tackles at 10% last season. Moreover Byron Young broke out with 12 sacks and earned a Pro Bowl nod in 2025. Together the duo and Garrett create a multi headed pass rush.
Key defensive stats
- Braden Fiske: 8.5 sacks as a rookie, three sacks in 2025, 74 total tackles
- Fiske pass rush win rate: 10% per ESPN reporting ESPN
- Byron Young: 12 sacks and Pro Bowl nod in 2025
- EDGE interior combo: 35 combined QB takedowns by the rush duo in 2025
Fiske sounded bullish about the group and the plan. He said “We know what we are capable of and how we want to get after it this season… [We] are out there hunting, and we have a bunch of other guys that could get after the quarterback, too. I think that’s the ultimate goal.” Therefore his words match the numbers and the roster construction.
Pro Football Focus grading and film study suggest the Rams upgraded both disruption and depth. For deeper context on how supporting pieces affect game plans, see Pro Football Focus at Pro Football Focus and Myles Garrett’s career profile at Pro Football Reference Pro Football Reference. Also read our take on Matthew Stafford’s 2026 projections at Matthew Stafford’s 2026 predictions and the Aaron Donald comeback discussion at Aaron Donald comeback discussion. Finally consider schedule strategy from this piece Rams 2026 season schedule strategy for matchup windows where the new pass rush could swing games.
| Player | Position | 2025 sacks | Career total tackles | Pro Bowl nods | Notable metric or notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Myles Garrett | Edge | — | — | DPOY (2025) | Frequently double-teamed; anchors pass rush |
| Braden Fiske | Defensive tackle | 3 | 74 | 0 | 8.5 sacks as a rookie; ESPN pass rush win rate 10% |
| Byron Young | Edge | 12 | — | 1 | Breakout 2025 season; reliable edge rusher |
| Aaron Donald | Defensive tackle | — | — | Multiple | Veteran interior presence; comeback debate |
| Quentin Lake | Safety | 0 | — | 0 | Key depth piece in secondary |
| Rotational rushers | Various | — | — | — | Depth group expected to see increased snaps |
Notes: Dashes indicate publicly unavailable or nonapplicable single-season numbers. For methodology see analytics sources cited earlier in the article.
Trade chatter and Seahawks front office hires
The offseason trade market exploded when the Rams acquired Myles Garrett. Fans and pundits speculated about more moves, linking the Rams to depth pieces and secondary help. Garrett’s arrival significantly reshapes Los Angeles’ pass rush this offseason. Therefore teams also consider swapping draft capital or veterans. However front office patience may slow further deals.
Garrett should draw frequent double teams and open lanes for Braden Fiske and Byron Young. As a result those players could see higher sack opportunities. Braden Fiske said “We are out there hunting.” His tone matched optimism. That confidence matters, and coaches now plan rotations to maximize pressure while protecting starters.
Seahawks front office hires
Seattle made several strategic promotions and hires. Assistant general managers Matt Berry and Willie Schneider earned new roles. Aaron Hineline becomes director of player personnel, while Armani Perez fills director of pro personnel. Jason Barnes will lead college scouting, and Patrick Ward joins as vice president of research and analytics. These moves reflect a data driven approach to roster building.
Ultimately front office moves across the NFC shape trade behavior. Teams will adjust strategy and valuations. Consequently the Rams must balance risk and reward before the regular season.
CONCLUSION
The Rams 2026 season preview points to real defensive strength and bright upside. The Garrett trade reshaped the pass rush and created space for playmakers. Braden Fiske and Byron Young now figure to benefit from improved alignment and more one on one chances. Coaches will deploy rotations to keep pressure fresh and reduce fatigue. As a result the front looks deeper than many expected.
Offseason moves also signaled intent to win now. Youth and veteran mix gives the roster flexibility. With continued development the Rams can pressure quarterbacks and force turnovers. Therefore this team enters the season with measurable upgrades across the defense.
For continued coverage follow Rams News LLC at Rams News LLC for analysis and updates. Also follow us on Twitter to get quick news and breaking trade chatter.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the Rams’ defensive strengths heading into 2026?
The Rams boast improved pass rush depth and interior disruption. Myles Garrett anchors the edge. Braden Fiske and Byron Young add interior and edge pressure. As a result, opponents face more consistent pressure and more turnover chances.
Who are the key defensive players and their recent stats?
Myles Garrett arrives as the reigning Defensive Player of the Year. Braden Fiske had 8.5 sacks as a rookie and three last season with 74 tackles. Byron Young recorded 12 sacks and a Pro Bowl nod in 2025. ESPN data shows Fiske’s pass rush win rate near 10 percent.
How does the Garrett trade change the Rams’ approach?
Garrett draws frequent double teams. Therefore, teammates get more one-on-one matchups. Coaches will rotate rushers to maximize pressure. Consequently, the Rams can attack different blocking schemes.
What did Braden Fiske say about the team’s outlook?
Fiske said, “We are out there hunting.” He emphasized confidence and accountability. Therefore, his quote reflects a group mindset to chase wins.
What should fans expect this season?
Expect a deeper front and more consistent pressure. Also, watch for young players to take steps. Finally, follow roster moves and matchup previews for context.
