The Rams' Third-Round Pick Faces a Make-or-Break Moment

The Pressure Is On

When Myles Garrett went down with a season-ending injury, the Los Angeles Rams were already facing questions about their pass rush. Now, with one of their most experienced defensive players sidelined indefinitely, Sean McVay has turned his attention to a player who's been quietly building his profile: the team's 2025 third-round pick.

"We're going to have to find ways to get pressure on the quarterback," McVay said in a recent press conference. "We've got some young guys who are going to have to step up, and we're confident they'll do it."

That player? Josaiah Stewart, the 6'2" defensive end who was selected in the third round of the NFL Draft last spring. With Garrett's absence, Stewart is now expected to take on a larger role in the Rams' pass rush—and the weight of that expectation is significant.

A Player in the Spotlight

Stewart's journey to this moment has been a slow-burn one. In college at Auburn, he was seen as a raw talent with high upside but lacked polish. He entered the draft with a reputation for having potential but needing refinement. That reputation is now being put to the test.

In the early games of the season, Stewart played sparingly. His first significant snaps came during a crucial third quarter against the Jacksonville Jaguars—a game that ended in a 27-14 loss. But what happened during that game may have changed everything for him. He recorded his first career sack, something that instantly elevated his status within the team's defensive hierarchy.

The Rams' coaching staff has been clear: they want to see more from Stewart moving forward. “He's got tools,” said defensive coordinator Todd Bowles. “It's just about getting those tools into game shape.”

What This Means for the Rams

The Los Angeles Rams' pass rush has always been a critical part of their overall strategy. In previous seasons, Garrett was instrumental in generating pressure from the edge. His ability to disrupt opposing quarterbacks wasn't just about stats—it was about presence.

Now, with him sidelined for the year, the team must lean heavily on its depth and youth. That's where Stewart comes in. But while his performance against Jacksonville was encouraging, he still has a lot of ground to cover if he wants to be viewed as a legitimate contributor.

There are also concerns about consistency. During his college career, Stewart struggled at times with maintaining intensity over full games. The NFL is different—there's no room for error. If Stewart can't perform consistently in the short term, he risks becoming just another young player who was counted on but ultimately fell short.

What the Rams Are Really Looking For

The situation presents a classic test for a team that's built around both veteran leadership and youth development. McVay is known for his ability to maximize potential in young players, but he also expects accountability. In Stewart's case, there's no room for mediocrity.

What the Rams are really asking of him is not just to show flashes—though those matter—but to develop into a consistent presence on the edge. That means being able to disrupt timing, create pressure, and contribute even when his teammates aren't in the spotlight.

The Rams have also invested heavily in their offensive line this year. They've added depth and experience, aiming to protect the quarterback as much as possible. But if the pass rush can't generate pressure, those efforts may be undermined. The success of the offense now hinges on the defense—especially with key players like Garrett out of the lineup.

Stewart's Road Ahead

For Stewart, this is more than just a chance to prove himself—it's a moment that could define his entire NFL career. If he can rise to the challenge, he'll likely earn a starting role or at least a larger role in the rotation. The team has made it clear they're investing in him, both mentally and physically.

However, if he fails to deliver under pressure, the narrative may shift from 'young talent with potential' to simply another draft pick who didn't pan out. That's not just a personal setback—it's a franchise-wide disappointment that could affect how future picks are viewed.

As the season progresses, I'll be keeping a close eye on Stewart and his development. His journey is one of many that will shape the Rams' trajectory for years to come. The pressure is on—and the world will be watching.

The Bigger Picture

This story isn't just about one player—it's about the evolution of a franchise. The Rams are in transition, and decisions made now will echo far into the future. How they handle Stewart's development reflects their philosophy: balancing ambition with patience, and youth with experience.

Ultimately, the question is whether this young man can carry the weight of expectations—and whether the team can continue to trust him when things get tough. That's a test that will be played out on the field, week by week, game by game.