Rams’ 3-Year Veteran Emerging as Defensive Leader Early in Camp

The Los Angeles Rams are only two padded practices into training camp, but one new face is already turning heads.

Linebacker Nate Landman, who signed a one-year deal with the Rams this offseason, is quickly establishing himself as a key voice on defense — and a potential starter inside.

Head coach Sean McVay praised Landman’s presence this week, noting that he’s already showing signs of leadership and toughness that could earn him an expanded role.

“I think you’re innately thrust into that when you play an inside linebacker position,” McVay said on Tuesday, per ESPN’s Sarah Barshop. “He’s just got a good feel. He’s got great awareness, a good understanding of how to be able to positively uplift his teammates and challenge them in the right way. I love what this guy is about.”

Landman, 25, spent his first three NFL seasons with the Atlanta Falcons. In 2024, he played under head coach Raheem Morris — formerly the Rams’ defensive coordinator. That experience is helping him transition quickly into the Rams’ defensive system and expectations.

Solid Start for a Low-Risk Signing

McVay added that playing inside linebacker naturally puts players into a leadership role, and Landman is embracing it early for the Rams.

One thing that has stood out to teammates and coaches is Landman’s ability to knock the ball loose.

“I almost want to call him ‘Peanut Punch Landman,'” safety Quentin Lake said. “He has just a knack for the ball. We see so many clips — Coach McVay shows them in the team meeting room — of him doing it in Atlanta and then you see it out here and you understand why he’s able to cause those turnovers.”

Turnovers were an area the Rams focused on improving heading into 2025. They ranked middle of the pack in takeaways last season. Landman’s aggressiveness and ball-hawking habits could help shift that in the right direction.

The Rams added Landman as a low-cost depth move in free agency. But the former undrafted free agent out of Colorado is making a case to be more than just a rotational linebacker.

He played in all 17 games for the Falcons last year, logging 110 tackles, seven tackles for loss and two forced fumbles. He started 14 games and was one of Atlanta’s more productive run defenders.

That experience is showing up early in camp, especially with the pads on. Landman has been active in run fits and vocal in pre-snap alignments.

Injury Notes For Rams

The Rams held a lighter jog-thru practice Wednesday, but two key defensive backs were sidelined. Cornerback Emmanuel Forbes Jr. (hamstring) and safety Kamren Curl (ankle) both sat out after leaving Tuesday’s session early.

Their status will be closely monitored as the team ramps up for another padded session later this week.

He’s already earned praise from McVay and teammates, and he’s quickly becoming a trusted presence in the middle of the Rams defense.

For a team reworking its identity on that side of the ball, Landman’s emergence could prove to be one of the most important developments of camp.