​A young Rams defensive lineman could be poised for a breakout season. In a year that saw the Los Angeles Rams pair Myles Garrett with Byron Young, the duo generated 35 sacks between them in the 2025 campaign—an output that would have led the league, by eight sacks, if they had shared the edge rush on the field. Garrett and Young may headline the Rams’ pass rush, but they won’t be on every snap. The team will still need rotational pieces to keep the pressure coming when the top duo rests.
ESPN analyst Ben Solak highlighted a potential breakout candidate from Los Angeles’s defensive line for the 2026 season: Josiah Stewart. Stewart emerged as a standout during his rookie year, even though most of his time came as a rotational player with just 166 pass-rush snaps. Solak pointed out that Stewart’s role was by design, as part of Chris Shula’s scheme, which values a versatile, subpackage defender who can blitz and cover as a Swiss Army knife. Stewart flashed obvious talent during those limited snaps, showing the ability to bend, generate power, and finish plays at the quarterback.
With Jared Verse swapped out for Garrett, Garrett is expected to slide inside more often in subpackage looks because of his size and versatility. That shift should open up more wide alignments for Stewart, allowing him to carve out a late-game closer role and contribute in pivotal moments. In his rookie season, Stewart registered three quarterback takedowns, 22 total tackles, two pass deflections, and a forced fumble. He earned a solid 74.0 pass-rush grade from Pro Football Focus, ranking 28th among 115 qualifying players in that metric for rookies.
Now more seasoned and with a fuller grasp of the Rams’ defensive scheme, Stewart could secure a larger, more consistent role in 2026. The combination of NFL experience, improved familiarity with Chris Shula’s system, and the continued emphasis on subpackage usage could position Stewart to take a meaningful step forward. If he continues to develop his pass-rushing repertoire and shows efficiency in limited opportunities, he could become a legitimate breakout candidate for Los Angeles.
Head coach Sean McVay has spoken highly of Stewart, underscoring his potential and the strides he’s made. His confidence signals that Stewart is not merely a depth piece but a player the Rams expect to contribute more prominently as the team looks to maximize its front seven. As Garrett and Young anchor the edge, Stewart’s development could provide the Rams with an additional dynamic rush option, particularly in crucial late-game scenarios where pressure on the quarterback is paramount.
Josiah Stewart’s trajectory will be closely watched throughout the 2026 season. If he leverages his athleticism, gains in technique, and the beneficial adjustments within the Rams’ subpackage strategy, the young defensive lineman could indeed realize a breakout year. With Garrett occupying interior and exterior alignments and Young continuing to be a disruptive force off the edge, Stewart’s increased involvement could deliver a versatile, high-impact component to Los Angeles’s already formidable pass rush.