logo
Ranking each NFC West team's defensive line: Where do the Rams rank?

Ranking each NFC West team's defensive line: Where do the Rams rank?

USA Today24-06-2025
The defensive line is an incredibly important part of a team's defense. They set the tone at the line of scrimmage and can be the difference between a tight battle and blowout loss.
The Los Angeles Rams know this all too well after Saquon Barkley ran all over them in the NFC Divisional Round, and they hope that the upgrades they made this offseason will be enough to keep the NFC West crown away from the rest of the division.
We looked at every NFC West's defensive line as they all head into summer and ranked them against each other. We've also added the projected starters to reference for each team.
4. Arizona Cardinals
Campbell can be a great veteran presence for Robinson in his second year but this duo isn't menacing yet.
3. San Francisco 49ers
This revamped unit features two new faces in ex-Browns lineman Elliott and 2025 second-rounder Alfred Collins. Robert Saleh is the defensive coordinator again, though, which should help.
2. Seattle Seahawks
Williams proved to be a Pro Bowl-caliber player once more with 11 sacks from the interior. Murphy, though, is still developing.
1. Los Angeles Rams
A shock, maybe, but the Rams have the most explosiveness of the group. Turner and Fiske are sack machines, while Ford is a great run-stuffer in the middle of the defensive line.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Packers' Bo Melton takes big step in converting from wide receiver to cornerback
Packers' Bo Melton takes big step in converting from wide receiver to cornerback

Yahoo

time3 minutes ago

  • Yahoo

Packers' Bo Melton takes big step in converting from wide receiver to cornerback

Bo knows cornerback. At least, that's how it's looking at Green Bay Packers training camp right now for Bo Melton. Melton has been a wide receiver in the NFL up until this summer. His brother is a corner for the Arizona Cardinals, but Melton hadn't followed that same path. Now, though, Melton is pretty much playing exclusively cornerback to try and make the Packers' roster. He and Green Bay both likely saw the writing on the wall at wide receiver. He was at best seventh on this current depth chart that includes Romeo Doubs, Christian Watson, Jayden Reed, Dontayvion Wicks, Matthew Golden and Savion Williams. MORE: Micah Parsons breaks silence on his trade request Packers fans got a good look at Melton on Friday night at the Packers' Family Night training camp practice in the evening, and on at least one occasion, he looked up to the task. Lined up one-on-one with the speedy rookie Golden out wide, Melton matched him nearly step for step and did a good job to help break up a pass down the field. There's nothing Melton did there that screams, "This guy hasn't played cornerback before." MORE: Buccaneers' coach reveals chances of Shilo Sanders making Tampa Bay NFL roster Green Bay is a heck of a lot thinner and weaker at CB than WR, so if Melton can really show he belongs, it'd be a huge help. He also likely has an exponential learning curve there. He's got more room to grow since it's not a position he has played at this level before. Melton's best tests may come in the preseason games, when he's less familiar with the opposition and will have to react in real time. If he impresses there, he can seriously make this team. And it'd be a win for everyone, from Melton himself to the corner-needy Packers. MORE NFL NEWS: Trey Lance makes his quarterback case Rashee Rice gives update on his suspension Lions' Isaac TeSlaa shows reason for excitement around the rookie Ravens sign up swimming legend Michael Phelps to help with unexpected task Shedeur Sanders shares harsh reality with his dad, Deion Commanders have $3 million way to avoid Terry McLaurin trade

Cardinals RB James Conner likes to get downhill, not dance around
Cardinals RB James Conner likes to get downhill, not dance around

USA Today

time4 minutes ago

  • USA Today

Cardinals RB James Conner likes to get downhill, not dance around

James Conner doesn't need fancy footwork to leave his footprints Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner finished the 2024 NFL season with 236 carries, 14th in the league, but he ranked No. 11 with a career-high 1,094 rushing yards and scored eight rushing touchdowns for the beloved Cardinals franchise. Whether offensive coordinator Drew Petzing prioritizes the run or makes the pass game primary, Conner will continue to train to be the endurance-built physical runner he has been heading into his ninth NFL season. Conner's play style doesn't make for the most astonishing of highlights, but defensive coordinators know they must account for him and his tenacious downhill running style. Conner could potentially be even more impactful if he begins avoiding attrition. Petzing can accomplish this by optimizing a dual-threat rushing attack, allowing second-year running back Trey Benson to be more involved. With eight touchdowns last season, Conner has shown his power and determination in the red zone and short-yardage situations. Petzing should note this and frequently defer to Conner when the Cardinals have red-zone opportunities. Rather than do all sorts of lateral dancing, Petzing can count on Conner to head north and south when his number is called in the offense and work as a feasible pass blocker when the team chooses to air it out. Ultimately, the Cardinals will want to continue using Conner in increments to keep the defense honest. If Petzing can mainatin a balanced attack through 2025, the Cardinals offense will be very difficult to defend. Get more Cardinals and NFL coverage from Cards Wire's Jess Root and others by listening to the latest on the Rise Up, See Red podcast. Subscribe on Spotify, YouTube or Apple podcasts.

Browns reporter takes savage shot at Bill Belichick-Jordon Hudson romance in Hall of Fame speech
Browns reporter takes savage shot at Bill Belichick-Jordon Hudson romance in Hall of Fame speech

New York Post

time34 minutes ago

  • New York Post

Browns reporter takes savage shot at Bill Belichick-Jordon Hudson romance in Hall of Fame speech

Browns beat reporter Mary Kay Cabot took a brutal jab at Bill Belichick's highly publicized romance with 24-year-old girlfriend Jordon Hudson on Friday when she accepted the Bill Nunn Memorial Award during the Pro Football Hall of Fame Gold Jacket Dinner in Canton, Ohio. Cabot, who began covering the Browns in 1991, the same year Belichick, 73, took over as coach in Cleveland, first joked about going through the wringer with the future Hall of Famer. 'Bill Belichick was the first Browns coach I ever covered,' Cabot began, as covered by Awful Announcing. 'You see, if you start out with Bill Belichick, no one can rattle you after that. If Bill didn't like something I wrote, he'd call and yell at me. If you asked a dumb question, he'd call you out. Eventually, I had to learn to stand up to him. During one of those yelling matches, I told him, if you don't have the 'footballs' to say that to the guys, then don't say it to me. Bam.' Advertisement 4 Bill Belichick's relationship with Jordon Hudson was referenced in Mary Kay Cabot's speech in August 2025. Getty Images That's when Cabot's speech pivoted to the UNC coach's widely scrutinized personal life. Advertisement 'But now, I totally understand why Bill gave me such a hard time. I was 28 at the time, and he just couldn't relate to a woman that old,' Cabot said as the audience roared with laughter. Although many on social media also chuckled over Cabot's zinger, the remarks didn't appear to please everyone. 4 Mary Kay Cabot speaks at the 2025 Pro Football Hall of Fame Gold Jacket Dinner on Aug. 1, 2025. Scott Galvin-Imagn Images 4 Bill Belichick and Jordon Hudson went public with their relationship in 2024. Getty Images Advertisement On Saturday, Hudson's X account reposted a message from a separate user that read: 'Not much of a 'laugh.' No wonder so many have contempt for the media, especially those who want to be the story rather than [report] on the story.' Belichick's romance with Hudson was first revealed in June 2024. 4 Bill Belichick is preparing for his first season as football coach of the Tar Heels. AP Their relationship has largely been under a microscope following a disastrous 'CBS Sunday Morning' interview in April, when Hudson pushed back on a question intended for Belichick about how they met. Advertisement Amid speculation about her role in Belichick's personal and professional endeavors, the eight-time Super Bowl-winning coach made it clear in May that Hudson does not 'have anything to do with UNC football.' Belichick and the Tar Heels open the 2025 season against TCU on Sept. 1.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store