Turf Show Times
Blockbuster trades have punctuated the news about the Los Angeles Rams defense in 2026. The edge unit, already a team strength, took another step forward with the addition of six-time All-Pro Myles Garrett. For the soon-approaching season, he be complimented by a deep bench.
The edge position has evolved from defensive ends of the past, they were always the most athletic of the big guys in front, but now are certified playmakers that can change the flow and even its outcome of game with a single play. With explosive plays and forcing turnovers being such harbinger of victory, it’s almost a necessity that every successful team boasts game breaker off the edge.
The 2026 Rams are blessed with a deep edge room featuring two potential All-Pro’s, complimented by a pair of backups that are short on experience, but long on effort/potential and primed for rotational success. Behind those Top 4, there’s a handful of players pushing for their slice of the pie. Let’s meet them.
Myles Garrett 6’4” 272 lb.
A lot has been expected of Garrett. He was a Top 5 high school recruit, garnered All-American accolades in all three college seasons, and was the Number 1 overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft. Although a late training camp injury kept him from being a Day 1 starter and shelved him for five games, he’s produced at a Hall of Fame level since. He’s booked double-digit sacks in eight straight seasons. He’s already 20th all-time in sacks and 12th all-time in tackles for loss.
Clearly a generational talent, now it’s Rams fans turn for high expectations. Garrett is in his prime and will have a superior cast of supporting characters. Fans may see more four-down fronts from the L.A. defense, because Garrett has played predominantly with a hand in the dirt and outside the the shoulders of opposing offensive tackles.
Byron Young 6’2” 250 lb.
In the final year of his rookie contract, Young has proven to be a durable, steady edge providing a solid return on his mid-Round 3 draft stake. In 2025, according to Next Gen Stats, he led the defensive front starters in tackles for loss (12), hustle stops (12), sacks (12), QB hits (29), and pass rush pressure percentage (14.1). He was 2nd in total pressures (54) and stops (62). He also dropped into coverage on 121 of his 813 snaps (15%).
A stellar blend of speed and power, Young was a raw prospect coming out of college and has consistently worked to upgrade his game.That improvement shows in his year-to-year on-field production. At his best, he is explosive off the snap and uses good pad level to put blockers on their heels.You can see on his 2025 film that he has improved his hand strikes/swipes and now uses/stacks more moves. Enough speed and dip to get around the corner. Not just a pass rusher, Young has become a stout against the run and his burst in pursuit leads...
