5 Rams Whose Time in L.A. Will End After Divisional Round Loss to Eagles

3. Michael Hoecht, LB

For the Rams to take the next step to become a true Super Bowl contender, they need to improve on both ends of the field. They finished the season below-average both on offense (20th) and defense (17th). They had a negative points differential despite going 10-7 during the regular season. That says a ton about how the team overperformed in close games due to the brilliance of Sean McVay and Matthew Stafford.

The Rams haven't had an above-average defense ever since they won the Super Bowl. Even then, they were a much better offensive team than they were defensively. McVay hasn't been given much to work with on that end of the field and that needs to change this offseason.

One way to do that is to upgrade the weak positions on the roster. Michael Hoecht would be a good place to start.

Hoect has become a fan favorite in Los Angeles and has played an important role in the Rams' success over the last couple of years. He is reliable, doesn't miss any games, and has a high floor.

At the same time, he does have a ceiling to his performance. Hoecht played at a similar level to his previous two seasons per Pro Football Focus, receiving a 61.3 defensive grade, good for the 69th-best defensive end in the NFL. He had only two games where he received over a 70.0 grade all season, demonstrating his consistent yet low-upside performance.

This season, Hoecht saw his role diminished after the arrival of rookie Jared Verse. As his snap count fell, so did his production. The 27-year-old defender played in 58% of defensive snaps after playing in 85% in 2023. After having six sacks, 11 QB hits, and seven tackles for loss last season, he finished with three sacks, six QB hits, and four tackles for loss in 2024.

Byron Young and Verse are the future of this defensive unit at the EDGE, making it hard for Hoecht to play a major role.

Hoecht is a free agent this offseason. The Rams may want to bring him back if they can get him on a team-friendly deal. If he is going to require a lucrative, multi-year deal, however, the Rams are likely better off moving on from the veteran defender. They may be able to find a better third edge defender to round out the rotation in free agency.