With the offseason program wrapped and training camp coming up on July 23, theRams.com will be taking an updated look at positions on the team's roster.
Up next: Linebackers.
Key offseason moves
- Drafted Florida State edge Jared Verse 19th overall in the first round of this year's draft. Addressing the pass rush was going to be a priority in wake of Aaron Donald's retirement, and one of the steps in doing so was adding the 6-foot-4, 260-pound Verse to the outside linebacker room.
Who's under contract
Linebackers
2023 stats: Franchise record 145 total tackles (14 for loss), 4.5 sacks and six passes defensed while starting all 15 games played (one of starters who rested in Week 18 at 49ers; missed Week 9 at Packers with knee injury). His tackles, sacks and passes defensed all marked career-highs.
2023 stats: 79 total tackles, 4 passes defensed and 1 interception while playing in all 17 regular season games (5 starts). Also played in the Rams' wild card playoff game. Tackles, passes defensed were both career-highs; interception was first of Rozeboom's career.
2023 stats: 23 total tackles while playing in all 17 regular season games (6 starts). Also contributed on special teams.
2023 stats: 10 total tackles while playing in all 17 regular season games. Also played in the Rams' wild card playoff game. Majority of snaps came on special teams.
2023 stats: 57 total tackles and team-high 8.5 sacks while starting all 12 games in his final collegiate season with Washington State.
2023 stats: 1 total tackle in his lone regular season appearance (Week 18 at 49ers). Also played in the Rams' wild card playoff game. All snaps came on special teams in both instances.
2023 stats: 93 total tackles (10.5 for loss), plus 2 sacks, 2 interceptions and 2 fumble recoveries while playing in all 13 games in his final collegiate season with Marshall.
2023 stats: 70 total tackles in 10 games played as a grad transfer for LSU in his final collegiate season (previously was at Oregon State for four years).
Outside Linebackers
2023 stats: 61 total tackles, 8 sacks, 19 QB hits, 2 forced fumbles, 1 fumble recovery while playing in all 17 regular season games (16 starts). Added 3 total tackles in the Rams' wild card playoff game.
2023 stats: 81 total tackles, 6 sacks, 11 QB hits and 2 forced fumbles while starting all 17 regular season games. Also added 6 total tackles and half of a sack in the Rams' wild card playoff game.
2023 stats: 41 total tackles (12.5 for loss) plus 9 sacks, 11 QB hurries, 3 pass breakups, 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery and 1 blocked kick in his final collegiate season with Florida State.
2023 stats: 2 total tackles while playing in 8 regular season games (missed first four games of season while on IR because of knee injury; did not play in Week 13 vs. Browns and was inactive Weeks 14-17).
2023 stats: 4 total tackles and 1 pass defensed while playing in 10 regular season games (was inactive for 7 games). Appeared in the Rams' wild card playoff game but did not record any stats.
2023 stats: 6 total tackles in 8 games played (active but did not play in the Rams' first 9 games). Also played in the Rams' wild card playoff game but did not record any stats.
2023 stats: 9 total tackles and 1 sack while playing in 9 regular season games (did not play in the Rams' final eight regular season games).
What's next
Sorting out roles at edge, and Jones continuing to build a rapport with defensive coordinator Chris Shula. In terms of the roles at edge, it's primarily building Verse's familiarity with the defense and finding ways to get him involved. As for Jones, that connection is pre-exiting having previously worked with Shula when Shula was his position coach, but honing their communication during practice will be key with Shula calling the defense and Jones the anticipated green dot (on-field defensive signal-caller).
