The Los Angeles Rams went all in on upgrading their secondary this offseason, making the splash trade for cornerback Trent McDuffie and signing Jaylen Watson, while retaining safety Kamren Curl. The moves were necessary after L.A.'s secondary got picked apart last season.
Rams defensive lineman Braden Fiske recently pointed out to Jim Rome that the additions on the back end should help improve L.A.'s pass rush in 2026.
"I'm all about it. Sounds like a little bit more time to get to the quarterback," Fiske told Rome last week. "Anytime you can add players to your defense and your team in general, I think it's awesome. That's just a step closer to where we are trying to get to. Like you said, with Trent and Jaylen, then bringing back Kam Curl. I think that was an unbelievable move just because of the force that he is with our defense and what he brings to our defense mentality as a whole. Then, Q-Lake (Quentin Lake) with Kamren Kinchens back there and bringing back E-Man (Emmanuel Forbes), I can't wait to get after it (this season).
"There's so much potential with this team, it's going to be unbelievable."
The Rams boast a good defensive front led by Fiske, Jared Verse, Kobie Turner and Byron Young. However, last season, the pass rush didn't offer the same oomph down the stretch, as offenses were able to get the ball out quickly and negate much of its potency. When DBs repeatedly get beaten off the line for easy pitch-and-catches, it makes even the most vigorous pass rush impotent.
Physical corners such as McDuffie and Watson should immediately give Fiske and others another beat to get to the quarterback.
"Yeah, you know, that's always what we are striving for," Fiske said when asked about L.A. seeking to be the top pass rush in the NFL. "Those are conversations that we have. We know what we are capable of and how we want to get after it this season. It's not just me and Jared, though. Kobie and Byron are out there hunting, and we have a bunch of other guys that could get after the quarterback, too. I think that's the ultimate goal.
"We know what we're capable of and what we should be doing out on that field. There's nothing short of that this season and what we expect from ourselves. I know (Verse is) working, and I've been seeing him in the facility. We are getting after this offseason and excited to see what we can build."
