Rams Defensive Questions: Biggest Questions Heading Into 2025

The Biggest Question Surrounding the Los Angeles Rams’ Defense in 2025

As the Los Angeles Rams continue to carve their path through the 2025 NFL season, their defense remains a focal point of intrigue and analysis. Coming off a successful 2024 campaign that saw them reclaim their status as a formidable NFC contender, the Rams now face a pivotal question: Can their defense sustain its elite performance with a younger, evolving roster in the post-Aaron Donald era? This question encapsulates the challenges and opportunities awaiting Sean McVay’s squad as they aim to solidify their identity on the defensive side of the ball.

The Aaron Donald Legacy and Its Aftermath

For nearly a decade, Aaron Donald was the cornerstone of the Rams’ defense—a generational talent whose presence alone dictated opposing offensive strategies. His retirement in 2024 left a gaping hole, not just in production but in leadership and intimidation factors. The 2024 season served as a transition year, with defensive coordinator Chris Shula leaning on a blend of veteran savvy and youthful exuberance to keep the unit competitive. The results were promising: the Rams ranked among the league’s top defenses in points allowed and generated a respectable pass rush despite Donald’s absence.

However, 2025 brings a new layer of complexity. The departure of key veterans—whether through free agency, trades, or retirement—has accelerated the youth movement. Kobie Turner, Jared Verse, and Byron Young emerged as breakout stars in 2024, and are now expected to anchor the defensive line. Turner, a third-round pick in 2023, showcased his versatility with 9.5 sacks last season, while Young’s speed off the edge added a dynamic element. Yet, the question looms: can these young players consistently replicate the chaos Donald once wrought, or will offenses adjust to their tendencies now that they’re the focal points?

The Secondary’s Evolution

Another critical piece of the puzzle lies in the secondary, where the Rams have invested heavily in recent drafts. With Jalen Ramsey now with the Dolphins and other veterans cycling out, the back end of the defense has undergone a significant makeover.

Cornerbacks

• Ahkello Witherspoon PPF Coverage Grade: 58.8
• Cobie Durant PPF Coverage Grade: 61.0
• Darious Williams PFF: 61.5

Jaylen McCollough is listed as a safety, but when called upon, he has played the slot. Emmanuel Forbes and Josh Wallace are unknowns.

As you can see, the Rams’ three top corners rate out as average, or below average. This is an area where the defense needs upgrades.

For the Rams safeties, Kamren Kinchens, Quentin Lake, Kam Curl, and Jaylen McCollough form a solid unit.

Linebackers

Omar Speights seems to have anchored the middle and with the addition of Nate Landman, the Rams appear to be satisfied with this small group. Most of us fans see it differently, the linebacker group is woefully shallow, lacking depth and a true impact player. Only time will tell if the Rams make a significant upgrade in the NFL draft.

The biggest question here is whether this group can gel into a cohesive, lockdown secondary. The modern NFL demands versatility and communication in the backfield, especially against offenses loaded with multiple receiving threats. If Witherspoon and Durant can take the next step—perhaps mirroring the growth of past Rams stars such as Marcus Peters or Aqib Talib—the defense could thrive. If not, the pressure on the front seven will intensify, potentially exposing cracks in the overall scheme.

Scheme and Coaching: Chris Shula’s Masterplan

Chris Shula deserves credit for keeping the Rams’ defense humming in 2024, even without Donald. His creative use of stunts, simulated pressures, and coverage disguises masked personnel limitations and kept quarterbacks on edge. In 2025, however, the stakes are higher. With a younger roster, Shula must strike a delicate balance between aggression and discipline. Overcommitting to blitzes could leave the secondary vulnerable while playing too conservatively might allow offenses to exploit the lack of a dominant interior presence.

The biggest question surrounding the scheme is adaptability. Can Shula evolve his approach to fit the strengths of this new-look defense? Leaning into the speed of Turner, Verse, and Young with more edge-based attacks could compensate for the thin secondary Alternatively, doubling down on zone-heavy coverages might protect the secondary while the young corners find their footing. Shula’s track record suggests he’s up to the task, but the margin for error is slimmer than ever.

The 2025 NFL may bring some much-needed help and perhaps Emmanuel Forbes will step up. This year’s draft is deep in cornerbacks, so look for the Rams to draft pick one, perhaps with their first pick at #26.

The X-Factor: Depth and Injury Resilience

One often-overlooked aspect of the Rams’ defensive outlook is depth. Injuries derailed their 2023 season, and while 2024 saw a healthier roster, the reliance on unproven backups remains a concern. If Verse or Young were to miss time, would Fiske Turner and the recently acquired Poona Ford be enough to hold things steady? Similarly, the secondary’s lack of veteran insurance could prove costly if starters go down. The Rams’ front office, led by Les Snead, has historically prioritized star power over depth, but 2025 might demand a shift in philosophy.

The Path Forward

So, what’s the answer to the biggest question surrounding the Los Angeles Rams’ defense? It hinges on execution and growth. If the young defensive line can mature into a consistent force, if the secondary can coalesce into a reliable unit, and if Shula can tailor his scheme to maximize their potential, the Rams could defy expectations once again. The absence of Aaron Donald will always loom large, but this iteration of the defense has a chance to forge its own legacy—one built on speed, adaptability, and collective effort rather than individual dominance.

The Rams sit at a crossroads. Their early-season performance will offer clues, but the true test will come in the playoffs, where defensive lapses are magnified. For now, fans and analysts alike watch with bated breath, waiting to see if this youthful defense can answer the call—or if the post-Donald era will demand yet another reset. One thing is certain: the Rams’ defense is no longer defined by its past but by the promise of its future.

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