The Athletic’s Ted Nguyen: How Myles Garrett Will Impact Rams’ Defense in 2026

The Rams have spent the last few seasons searching for a closer. According to Ted Nguyen of The Athletic, they finally have one in Myles Garrett, and the ripple effects could push Los Angeles toward the league's best defense.

Nguyen was clear about what the Rams had been missing. He praised Jared Verse as a very good defensive end, young and cost-controlled on his contract, but framed him as "a high-end number two rusher" who can bull rush. The catch: it takes Verse a little while to get to the quarterback, and he does not finish at a high rate. Verse posted a career-high seven and a half sacks last season.

Garrett is a different category. Nguyen noted that Garrett broke the single-season sack record, and that he gives the Rams the ace they lacked, a closer who gets to the quarterback far quicker.

The defense got better behind him, too. Nguyen pointed to upgrades at corner in Tre'Davious White and Jalen Ramsey, which let the Rams play press coverage and force quarterbacks to hold the ball longer. Pair that hesitation with Garrett coming off the edge, and the pressure compounds.

Then there is what Garrett does for everyone around him. Nguyen explained that Garrett gets chipped at double the rate Verse did, drawing 20% more double teams last season. That math frees up the rest of the line. The other defensive linemen will see far more one-on-one looks.

And there is a tantalizing what-if. Nguyen raised the possibility that the Rams get Aaron Donald back, calling that prospect "a nightmare for offenses to handle." With Donald next to Garrett, he said, you would have a pairing that should not be allowed. His verdict on the unit: the Rams could potentially have the number one defense to go with the number one offense in the league.

Before he wrapped, Nguyen was asked to look past the headline rookies. The focus has been on Fernando Mendoza, with Jeremiah Love also in the mix, but he was prompted for an offensive rookie flying under the radar, the way he sees these classes producing surprises.

His pick: Jordan Tyson in New Orleans. Nguyen said Tyson has shown wide receiver one qualities, with the caveat that he has not practiced because of a hamstring. If he gets healthy, Nguyen likes the fit.

He is high on the Saints' offense overall. Nguyen thought they played really well late last season under Kellen Moore and credited Tyler Shough with making big-time improvements. With Chris Olave already drawing attention, Nguyen expects Tyson to see plenty of one-on-ones. Healthy, he said, Tyson could have "one hell of a year."