Poona Ford can be a game changer for the Rams

After struggling against the run last season, allowing over 100 rushing yards in 15 regular season games and in two playoff games which included a heart-breaking fourth quarter loss 28-22 to the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC Divisional round, the Los Angeles Rams decided to make improvements and bolster their defensive line. They acquired nose tackle Poona Ford from the LA Chargers during free agency, moving Ford 35 miles down the 405 freeway in California and keeping him playing at Sofi Stadium.

Joining the Rams marks Ford’s fourth NFL team since he started in the league in 2018. Ford is known for being a strong and consistent defensive tackle and generating pressure on opposing quarterbacks. His resume is Impressive; in college he was named Big 12 Defensive Lineman of the Year in 2017 playing for University of Texas and to date he has 229 total tackle, 11.5 sacks, 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery, 9 pass deflections and 1 interception in his NFL career playing with the Seahawks, Bills and Chargers.

While playing for the Chargers last season, Ford started all 17 games and recorded 39 tackles, three sacks and five pass deflections and one interception, but still the organization was forced to move on from Ford when he chose the Rams opportunity over the ‘competitive offer’ the Chargers made to keep him per general manager Joe Hortiz. The Chargers loss is the Rams gain.

“Poona Ford has been great” said Rams Defensive Coordinator Chris Shula during OTA’s, “You know, he runs the ball, he's got the easy power and gets off, he runs, he’s probably a better rusher than we anticipated.”

Fans will get to see Ford on the field for the first time in gold and royal blue during open training camp taking place on July 24th at Loyola Marymount University (LMU). The Rams first pre-season game is against the Dallas Cowboys, Saturday August 9th, 2025, at 4pm PDT.