How will Rams UDFA edge additions challenge the 53?
Rams UDFA edge additions could reshape the 2026 roster battles. However, competition will be fierce with established starters and depth returning. Therefore, undrafted free agents must show instant impact on pass rush and run defense. Coaches will scrutinize traits such as length, burst, play strength and situational awareness while comparing Eddie Walls, Darryl Peterson and Wesley Bailey against returning pieces like Jared Verse, Byron Young, Deshaun Johnson and rotation contributor Josaiah Stewart;
Walls projects as a down defensive end and gap penetrator but he faces questions about lateral quickness and interior mass. Peterson brings a high floor through consistent play and solid testing while appearing less flashy but more reliable, and Bailey carries a prototype frame and the highest athletic ceiling yet he must translate that upside into consistent game production on special teams and situational snaps to earn an E number on the 53 man roster because coaches value versatility, snap readiness and immediate contributions during OTAs, training camp and preseason games.
Rams UDFA edge additions — Eddie Walls
- Physical profile: 6 feet 4 inches, 250 pounds. Arm length 33 1/4 inches. Hand size 9 1/2 inches.
- College highlights: Started 35 of 46 games. Totaled 177 tackles, 36.5 tackles for loss, 18 sacks and eight passes broken up.
- Athletic testing: 4.68 shuttle, 7.70 three cone, 31.5-inch vertical, 9-foot-4 broad jump, 22 bench reps.
- Quick scout: Walls projects as a down defensive end and gap penetrator. However, coaches worry about his lateral movement and change of direction.
- Expert insight: “I’m not sure what the Rams will do with Walls, he’s been mostly a down defensive end. His relative lack of mass and lower body strength makes him exploitable as an interior player and with his lack of athleticism, he doesn’t really fit in with how L.A. utilizes their edge players.”
- Role fit: Because of his hand-in-the-dirt skill set, Walls could help on early downs. Yet, he must add power and consistent pass rush counters.
Darryl Peterson — the steady floor
- Physical profile: 6 feet 1 inch, 248 pounds. Arm length 32 1/2 inches. Hand size 9 5/8 inches.
- College highlights: Started 30 of 50 games at Wisconsin. Posted 136 tackles, 25.5 tackles for loss, 14 sacks and six passes broken up.
- Athletic testing: 4.85 forty, 1.65 ten-yard split, 7.35 three cone, 4.40 shuttle, 22 bench reps, 35-inch vertical.
- Quick scout: Peterson brings consistency and reliable technique. He lacks elite traits, but he avoids glaring weaknesses.
- Expert insight: “Peterson has a solid, all-around game, not elite at any one aspect, but no glaring weakness.”
- Role fit: Therefore, Peterson projects as a practice squad candidate or rotational depth early. He could earn special teams snaps and situational edge work.
Wesley Bailey — the prototype ceiling
- Physical profile: 6 feet 4 inches, 260 pounds. Arm length 34 1/2 inches. Hand size 9 1/2 inches.
- College highlights: Combined career at Rutgers and Louisville: 98 tackles, 19.5 tackles for loss, 13.5 sacks and nine passes broken up across six seasons.
- Athletic testing: 4.69 forty, 1.53 ten-yard, 7.0 three cone, 35-inch vertical, 10-foot-1 broad jump, 27 bench reps, RAS 9.82.
- Quick scout: Bailey has a prototype edge frame and clear explosiveness. However, scouts note he sometimes disappears during games and can rely on power over consistency.
- Expert insight: “Bailey has the highest ceiling, his size/length/athleticism profile compares with Rams starters Jared Verse and Byron Young.”
- Role fit: As a result, Bailey earns a strong look for the E5 role. Yet, he must prove consistent effort and special teams value to secure a 53-man spot.
Related keywords and themes: undrafted free agents, edge rush, practice squad, roster battles, snap readiness, pass rush, run defense.
How the Rams UDFA edge additions fit the depth chart
The Rams return two clear starters at edge. Jared Verse and Byron Young anchor the unit. Deshaun Johnson remains the primary backup. Rookie Josaiah Stewart logged 33 percent of defensive snaps last season. Therefore, the room already has established roles and rotation expectations.
Substantive comparisons and role projections
Verse and Young
- Start and play every down packages. They bring elite length and situational pass rush skills.
- As a result, they limit immediate snaps for rookies.
Deshaun Johnson and Josaiah Stewart
- Johnson holds the first backup role and situational duties.
- Stewart registered 33 percent of snaps last season, so coaches expect growth.
Eddie Walls
- Strengths: proven production in college and gap penetration ability.
- Weaknesses: limited lateral quickness and interior mass.
- Quoted scouting line: “I’m not sure what the Rams will do with Walls, he’s been mostly a down defensive end. His relative lack of mass and lower body strength makes him exploitable as an interior player and with his lack of athleticism, he doesn’t really fit in with how L.A. utilizes their edge players.”
- Likely role: early down specialist and camp developmental project.
Darryl Peterson
- Strengths: consistent technique, high floor and dependable play.
- Weaknesses: lacks game changing traits and elite burst.
- Quoted scouting line: “Peterson has a solid, all-around game, not elite at any one aspect, but no glaring weakness.”
- Likely role: special teams contributor and rotational depth.
Wesley Bailey
- Strengths: prototype length, explosive testing and upside.
- Weaknesses: inconsistent game impact and occasional disappearance.
- Quoted scouting line: “Bailey has the highest ceiling, his size/length/athleticism profile compares with Rams starters Jared Verse and Byron Young.”
- Likely role: practice squad candidate or E5 rotational look if he earns snaps on special teams.
Roster implications and pathway to the 53 man roster
- Competition will be tight during OTAs and camp. Undrafted players must show immediate special teams value. Moreover, technique and situational awareness matter for limited snaps. For related analysis of UDFA chances, see RamsNews breakdown.
- Also, read why position versatility matters at RamsNews on position versatility.
- Finally, context on roster construction is useful at RamsNews on roster construction.
For league wide context on snap percentages and player development, check NFL resources and analytics at PFF.
| Player | Height | Weight | College stats (Tackles / TFL / Sacks / PBUs) | Athletic testing highlights | Scouting notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eddie Walls | 6 feet 4 inches | 250 lb | 177 / 36.5 / 18 / 8 | Arms 33 1/4″, Hands 9 1/2″, 4.68 shuttle, 7.70 3-cone, 31.5″ vertical, 9’4″ broad, 22 bench reps | Projects as a down defensive end and gap penetrator. Lacks lateral quickness and lower body mass. Quote: “I’m not sure what the Rams will do with Walls, he’s been mostly a down defensive end.” |
| Darryl Peterson | 6 feet 1 inch | 248 lb | 136 / 25.5 / 14 / 6 | Arms 32 1/2″, Hands 9 5/8″, 4.85 40, 1.65 10-yard, 7.35 3-cone, 4.40 shuttle, 22 bench, 35″ vertical | High floor player with dependable technique. Not elite, but avoids glaring weaknesses. Quote: “Peterson has a solid, all-around game, not elite at any one aspect, but no glaring weakness.” |
| Wesley Bailey | 6 feet 4 inches | 260 lb | 98 / 19.5 / 13.5 / 9 | Arms 34 1/2″, Hands 9 1/2″, 4.69 40, 1.53 10-yard, 7.0 3-cone, 35″ vertical, 10’1″ broad, 27 bench, RAS 9.82 | Prototype frame and clear explosiveness. High ceiling but inconsistent game impact. Quote: “Bailey has the highest ceiling, his size/length/athleticism profile compares with Rams starters Jared Verse and Byron Young.” |
The outlook for the Rams UDFA edge additions is cautious but pragmatic. Eddie Walls, Darryl Peterson and Wesley Bailey face steep competition for limited roster spots. With Jared Verse and Byron Young entrenched as starters and Deshaun Johnson and Josaiah Stewart holding the primary backup and rotation roles, undrafted rookies must earn snaps quickly.
Peterson offers the safest path because of his technique and steady play; therefore, he projects as a special teams contributor and rotational depth. Bailey carries the highest upside but must convert athletic testing into consistent game impact. Walls provides college production and gap penetration, however his lateral quickness and interior mass raise role questions. Coaches will value versatility, special teams value and snap readiness when setting the final 53.
Expect OTAs, training camp and preseason to reveal which players can contribute immediately. For now the assessment remains analytical and cautious: Peterson looks closest to the roster, Bailey the developmental high ceiling, Walls a situational project. Follow Rams News LLC for updates and deeper analysis on the 2026 roster battles at ramsnews.com and on Twitter/X at @ZachGatsby.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the Rams UDFA edge additions and who signed with L.A.?
Rams UDFA edge additions refer to the three undrafted rookies added to the Rams edge rotation. They are Eddie Walls, Darryl Peterson, and Wesley Bailey. Each brings distinct traits and a different developmental profile. Walls offers college production, Peterson brings a high floor, and Bailey carries a high athletic ceiling.
Do any of these rookies have a realistic shot at the 53 man roster?
Yes, but chances vary and competition is steep. Jared Verse and Byron Young are entrenched starters. Deshaun Johnson remains the primary backup and Josaiah Stewart logged 33 percent of snaps last season. Therefore, Peterson likely has the clearest short term path due to technique and special teams value. Bailey has the highest upside, however he must turn testing into consistent play. Walls projects as a situational early down piece unless he adds power and lateral quickness.
What are the main strengths and weaknesses of each player?
– Eddie Walls: Strengths include production and gap penetration. Weaknesses include lateral quickness and lower body mass. Coaches worry about interior matchup issues.
– Darryl Peterson: Strengths include reliable technique and consistency. Weaknesses are a lack of elite burst or standout athletic traits. He should avoid glaring flaws.
– Wesley Bailey: Strengths include prototype length and explosiveness. Weaknesses include inconsistent game impact and disappearing stretches. His ceiling matches top starters if he develops.
How can these UDFAs improve their odds during OTAs, camp and preseason?
Show special teams value first. Also, demonstrate positional versatility and clean technique. Moreover, convert testing traits into consistent rep to rep production. Coaches reward situational readiness and reliable effort. As a result, standout preseason snaps can force roster conversations.
What should fans expect and where to follow updates?
Expect a tight battle that plays out in OTAs, camp and preseason games. Look for special teams snaps and situational reps as early indicators. Also follow local beat writers and official team coverage for daily reports. Finally, monitor snap counts and preseason film to see who truly separates.