How Myles Garrett could help Rams' 3rd-round pick breakout in 2026

The Los Angeles Rams swung one of the biggest trades in NFL history by sending Jared Verse, a 2027 first, 2028 second, and 2029 third-round pick to the Cleveland Browns for superstar edge rusher Myles Garrett.

The L.A. pass rushing group became the best in the NFL in one move, as Garrett, paired with Byron Young, is easily the NFL's best pass rushing duo. But Garrett might not provide his own value; he could help some others take another step.

ESPN's Ben Solak identified 2025 third-round pick Josaiah Stewart, a former Michigan edge rusher, as the Rams' breakout candidate in 2026. The reason why he could breakout is simple: Garrett could pave the way for a big season for the fun edge rusher.

Myles Garrett can help Josaiah Stewart break out in 2026

"Stewart is a subpackage player with legitimate drop ability, so Shula likes him on blitzing downs as a Swiss Army Knife," Solak notes.

While Stewart might be listed as an edge rusher, someone who's typically rushing the passer, he is also able to drop back into coverage if needed.

Chris Shula, the Rams' defensive coordinator, can utilize Stewart in such a role and have someone who can do some real damage as a versatile weapon. But now, with Garrett involved on defense, Stewart could be in store for an even better season.

"This is particularly important now that Verse has been swapped for Garrett, who figures to kick inside more often (given his superior size) in subpackage looks," Solak writes. "That opens the door for more wide alignments for Stewart, who can carve out a role as a late-game closer."

MORE: Seattle Seahawks trail only Rams and Eagles in ESPN's 2026 roster rankings

The Rams defense will have the option to use Garrett as a more interior pass rusher, thanks to being a bigger edge rusher. That would allow for Garrett to take a spot from Braden Fisk or Kobie Turner, and allow Stewart to thrive off the edge out wide.

By giving Stewart a wide look, with Garrett inside, and a combination of Young, Fiske, Turner, and Poona Ford along the DL, the Rams front could put some heavy pressure on the quarterback.

The 90th overall pick during the 2025 NFL Draft played in all 17 games last season, recording 3.0 sacks and three tackles for loss in a limited role.

Stewart might've been a breakout candidate regardless, but now, thanks to Garrett, the third-rounder could be in store for a big season as a rotational pass rusher for the Rams' elite defense.

More NFL news:

• Broncos’ signing of J.K. Dobbins receives criticism from ESPN analyst
• How 49ers' problem with Brandon Aiyuk might've been solved without a trade or release
• Falcons RB Bijan Robinson ranks higher than Lions’ Jaymir Gibbs in ESPN RB rankings
• Shedeur Sanders could thrive in Todd Monken's offense despite lacking Lamar Jackson's legs
• Raiders trade pitch sends Maxx Crosby to Cowboys for George Pickens
• Commanders sign former Eagles Super Bowl champion CB Rasul Douglas to free agent deal