A top player from the Iowa Hawkeyes is expected to sign with the Los Angeles Rams, perhaps bolstering their defensive line in 2025.
As the 2025 NFL season approaches, teams across the league are working diligently to add key pieces to their roster, building towards a championship-contending squad. For the Los Angeles Rams, one area that has been a major focus in recent seasons is their defensive line. With a number of impactful players aging or moving on, bolstering this position has become a necessity. Now, an intriguing prospect is emerging — a standout player from the Iowa Hawkeyes, one of college football’s most consistently dominant defensive teams, is expected to sign with the Rams. This potential acquisition could significantly enhance the Rams’ defensive line in the 2025 season.
Let’s dive into the details of this projected move, why the Rams are eyeing this Iowa Hawkeyes star, and how this player’s presence could make a difference on the field.
The Player: An Iowa Hawkeyes Defensive Standout
The Iowa Hawkeyes, under head coach Kirk Ferentz, have become synonymous with producing NFL-ready talent, particularly on the defensive side of the ball. Year after year, players from Iowa’s defense rise through the ranks of college football and find success in the NFL. The player in question is one of the most highly touted defensive prospects from Iowa in recent years — a force on the defensive line, capable of dominating in both pass-rush and run defense.
This player, whose name has been circulating among draft analysts and scouts, is known for his exceptional physicality, high football IQ, and relentless work ethic. Throughout his time at Iowa, he has proven to be a key part of one of the nation’s most feared defenses. Whether it’s setting the edge, disrupting the pocket, or forcing turnovers, he has consistently demonstrated the kind of impact that NFL teams covet in their defensive front. For the Rams, who are looking to continue building a formidable defense, his skills could be just what they need.
Why the Los Angeles Rams Are Interested
For the Rams, strengthening their defensive line has been a top priority. While they’ve had some impressive players in recent years, such as Aaron Donald, who remains one of the best defensive players in the league, the team’s depth and overall performance in the trenches have been inconsistent. Donald is entering the later years of his career, and the Rams know that they need to plan for the future — especially when it comes to protecting their defensive line’s potency.
The Rams have shown a desire to complement Donald with younger, high-potential players who can contribute immediately and help share the load. Adding a dynamic, versatile defensive lineman from Iowa would be a great way to achieve this. The Rams need someone who can generate pressure on the quarterback, help clog running lanes, and play within the disciplined and physical style that head coach Sean McVay has instilled in the team.
This Iowa Hawkeyes standout fits the Rams’ needs perfectly, as he brings a well-rounded skill set, an impressive college pedigree, and an ability to contribute right away. His combination of size, strength, and agility allows him to play multiple positions along the defensive line — a flexibility that would give the Rams a distinct advantage.
The Player’s Skill Set: A Perfect Fit for the Rams’ Defensive Scheme
The defensive line in the NFL is often the most physically demanding position group, requiring a blend of raw power, technique, and quickness. The Iowa Hawkeyes player expected to join the Rams has proven himself to be a top-tier talent across all of these categories, which makes him an ideal fit for the Rams’ defense.
1. Pass Rush Ability
The Rams’ defense has historically relied on its ability to get after the quarterback, especially in passing situations. Aaron Donald has been the main catalyst in this department for years, but the Rams have struggled to find consistent help opposite him. This Iowa player is known for his quick first step, powerful hands, and relentless motor — all of which make him a dangerous pass rusher. Whether lining up inside or outside, he has the ability to disrupt plays and pressure the quarterback.
In 2024, the Rams have struggled with generating pressure from the defensive line outside of Donald, but with the addition of this Iowa star, they could form a terrifying pass-rushing duo. The added pass-rush depth would not only make the Rams more dangerous in obvious passing situations but also help them be more effective in close games where generating pressure on the quarterback can turn the tide.
2. Run-Stopping Ability
In addition to being a potent pass rusher, this Iowa defensive lineman is also an exceptional run stopper. At Iowa, he excelled at maintaining gap discipline and disrupting the opposing offense’s running game. Whether it’s setting the edge on outside runs or anchoring down in the middle of the defensive line, he has the physicality and technique to stifle running backs before they can gain significant yardage.
The Rams’ defense has had mixed results against the run in recent years, and the addition of a player like this could help solidify that aspect of the defense. In a division like the NFC West, which features teams like the San Francisco 49ers and Seattle Seahawks — both of whom have strong running games — having a solid run defender in the middle of the line is crucial for the Rams’ success.
3. Versatility and Athleticism
What sets this Iowa prospect apart from many of his peers is his versatility. At Iowa, he was used in various positions along the defensive line, both inside and outside, to create mismatches for opposing offenses. His ability to move around allows defensive coordinators to be more creative with how they deploy him, and this versatility makes him even more valuable to the Rams.
With defensive coordinator Raheem Morris’ scheme, which often relies on varying looks and stunts, the Rams would benefit from having a player who can line up in multiple spots and still be effective. This player’s ability to play both the defensive tackle and defensive end spots means that the Rams could use him in different ways, depending on the opponent and the situation. His agility, combined with his size and strength, gives him the ability to match up with a variety of offensive linemen, making him an even more attractive addition.
How He Fits with the Rams’ Defensive Front
As mentioned, Aaron Donald remains the anchor of the Rams’ defensive line, but the team has been in search of someone who can take some of the pressure off of him, especially as Donald enters his 30s. Adding this Iowa star would give the Rams another formidable presence alongside Donald, which could free up both players to do what they do best.
With the ability to rush the passer, clog up running lanes, and create chaos in the trenches, this Iowa prospect would fit seamlessly into the Rams’ defensive front. He would provide the Rams with more depth and stability, and he would allow the team to run more complex defensive packages, creating mismatches for opposing offenses.
Additionally, his presence would improve the overall toughness and mentality of the Rams’ defense. McVay has emphasized the need for a strong, physical defense, and this player fits that mold perfectly. He would not only help the Rams win more battles at the line of scrimmage but also contribute to a team-wide attitude of relentlessness and grit.
The Impact on the Rams’ 2025 Season
Assuming the Rams are successful in signing this Iowa Hawkeyes star, his impact would likely be felt immediately in 2025. Not only would his contributions help elevate the defensive line, but he would also have a ripple effect on the rest of the defense. As we’ve seen in previous seasons, a dominant defensive line can make life easier for the secondary, as pressure on the quarterback leads to more turnovers and forced errors.
Moreover, the presence of this player could also improve the Rams’ run defense, which has been a weak point in recent seasons. By helping to clog the middle and hold up against powerful rushing attacks, the Rams’ defense could become much more balanced, allowing them to compete more effectively against all types of offenses.
