5 Rams Making Their Final Playoff Run With Los Angeles in 2025

OLB Michael Hoecht

Hoecht is a fan favorite in Los Angeles and is somewhat of a cult hero among Rams fans. The undrafted free agent has become an integral part of the team over the last four seasons. He played in every regular-season and postseason game during the Rams' Super Bowl run and hasn't missed a game since.

This season, Hoecht saw his role diminished after the arrival of rookie Jared Verse. The 27-year-old defender played in 58% of defensive snaps after playing in 85% in 2023. Byron Young and Verse are the future of this defensive unit at the EDGE, making it hard for Hoecht to play a major role.

The Rams need to find a third edge rusher to round out the rotation. Hoecht has been decent in that role this season, but he still ranked as the 67th-best defensive end out of 119 qualified players per Pro Football Focus entering Week 18. The 61.7 defensive grade is the same as last year but is a step back from his 2022 campaign. He also saw a decline in his sack totals, QB hits, and tackles for loss.

Los Angeles was an average defensive team this season. With Hoecht hitting free agency after the season, upgrading there could be a good way to improve on that end of the field.