Rams May Have Overshot the Mark at Drafting Michael Hoecht’s Replacement
The Los Angeles Rams have spent recent years deftly navigating the challenge of remaining competitive while retooling their roster with youth and affordability. However, their 2025 NFL Draft strategy has drawn mixed reactions, particularly surrounding their apparent attempt to replace edge rusher Michael Hoecht—a move that some analysts argue may have been premature or even misguided.
Michael Hoecht has been one of the more intriguing stories on the Rams’ roster. A former undrafted free agent out of Brown University, Hoecht made the rare transition from interior defensive lineman to outside linebacker during the 2022 season. Since then, he’s proven to be an aggressive, high-motor edge rusher with notable upside. While not elite in terms of pass-rushing prowess, his versatility, durability, and football IQ have made him a valuable asset in defensive coordinator Chris Shula’s evolving scheme.
Heading into the 2025 offseason, many believed the Rams would focus on depth behind Hoecht and Byron Young, another young edge rusher who took meaningful steps forward last season. Instead, the team raised eyebrows by selecting two edge defenders in the early rounds—one of whom, a highly-touted SEC product, has been openly labeled by some within the organization as a “future starter” rather than a developmental depth piece.
This has fueled speculation that the Rams view Hoecht as expendable or, at the very least, in need of replacement. The move seems even more puzzling when considering Hoecht’s steady performance. In the 2024 season, he recorded 7.5 sacks, 18 quarterback hits, and 60 total pressures, all while playing over 80% of defensive snaps. While he did struggle at times with setting the edge against the run, his overall performance placed him in the top half of NFL edge defenders based on several advanced metrics.
Critics of the draft decision argue that the Rams have not only overlooked Hoecht’s continued development but have also wasted valuable draft capital on a position that wasn’t a pressing need. With holes remaining at cornerback, linebacker, and interior offensive line, many believed those areas would take priority. The selection of two edge players—particularly one in the second round—appears to be more about projecting upside than addressing current needs.
Of course, it’s possible the Rams are hedging their bets. Hoecht is entering a contract year, and given his rising production, he may command a salary next offseason that the Rams are unwilling or unable to match. Drafting a potential replacement now gives them a full season to develop talent in-house while maintaining continuity on defense. But even with that context, the move feels aggressive for a team that has always prided itself on maximizing the contributions of under-the-radar players like Hoecht.
There’s also the concern of locker room dynamics. Hoecht, by all accounts, is a well-respected figure in the Rams’ defensive unit. He’s taken on a vocal leadership role and serves as an example of how effort, intelligence, and adaptability can earn a starting job in the NFL. Bringing in someone clearly intended to challenge or replace him could send the wrong message to younger players, especially if Hoecht responds negatively or if the new draftees struggle to adapt.
From a developmental standpoint, it’s not uncommon for NFL teams to draft replacements a year ahead of need. However, the optics of replacing a productive, ascending player in Hoecht—especially without exploring an extension or giving him the benefit of a final contract year—paints a picture of impatience or misallocation of resources.
On the flip side, the Rams’ front office has earned some benefit of the doubt. General Manager Les Snead and Head Coach Sean McVay have repeatedly shown that they are willing to make bold, sometimes unpopular decisions in pursuit of long-term success. Their 2025 draft class may ultimately pan out brilliantly, but it also carries significant risk—particularly if Hoecht thrives again this year and the rookies take longer than expected to develop.
In the end, it’s too early to call the Rams’ decision a misstep, but the signs are pointing toward a gamble that could backfire. Replacing a player like Michael Hoecht—whose growth trajectory is still ascending—may prove to be a costly error, especially if the team finds itself short on leadership and consistency along the edge. Only time will tell whether the Rams have made a strategic masterstroke or simply overshot the mark.
