The Los Angeles Rams added a pair of past All-Pros on defense between Myles Garrett and Trent McDuffie, but do they have any future All-Pros on the same side of the ball who have yet to truly breakout? The definition of breakout can be different to everyone, but there are a handful of options on L.A.’s defense who could clearly step up a level and become nationally-recognized names to the average NFL fan who doesn’t follow the Rams.
On Tuesday, Turf Show Times ran a survey asking fans to choose a breakout
star on defense from a handful of options and the results are incredibly well split down the middle of four or five names.
Edge rusher Josaiah Stewart has an extremely slim lead over second-place cornerback Jaylen Watson, followed closely by defensive end Braden Fiske, safety Kam Kinchens, and linebacker Byron Young.
Now some of those names might seem past a “breakout” to you already. After all, Watson just got a lucrative free agent contract with the Rams to reunite with McDuffie. But is he a star? Not by any mans. Most NFL fans aren’t really aware of Watson by name. Could 2026 be the first time that Watson makes a Pro Bowl or even gets significant Pro Bowl consideration?
Watson has three interceptions in four seasons. Could he double or even triple that total in one year?
Byron Young had 12.5 sacks last year, doesn’t that already make him a breakout? I don’t think so. Young is not even close to a household name yet even though he did make the Pro Bowl. With Garrett playing opposite of him, could Young reach 15 sacks and become a superstar?
But the most votes went to Stewart, the second-year edge out of Michigan who had three sacks in 2025. Do you think that with Garrett —and possibly Aaron Donald— drawing double-teams, that Stewart might become the NFL’s best second-year pass rusher? A lot of you do.
Will you hold that vote again?
I reposted the question in our TST Feeds section (right-hand side of the home page) as a poll. Vote again, break the tie: Who is L.A.’s breakout defensive player in 2026?
