The Los Angeles Rams will unleash Myles Garrett and Byron Young on opposing quarterbacks. But the Rams will need to apply pressure when they are off the field, too, and Daniel Rickert is the latest hopeful vying for a spot in the rotation.
Rickert is a rookie undrafted free agent.
He faces a steep climb to make the final 53-player roster. He could thrive in LA if he can stick through training camp and the preseason.
Rams Add Former UVA EDGE Daniel Rickert to Roster
GettyNew Rams pass rusher Daniel Rickert is built similarly to Byron Young.
“LA Rams Roster Moves,” the team posted on X on August 7, noting that the transaction was “Free Agent Signing DE Daniel Rickert.”
Rickert is 6-foot-2 and profiles similarly to Young from a physical standpoint. He recorded 6.5 sacks and 8 tackles for loss for the Virginia Cavaliers last season. He recorded 36 total tackles and 1 forced fumble in 14 games.
Before that, Rickert attended Tennessee Tech.
“Rickert appeared in 57 games (37 starts) over his six-year collegiate career with Virginia (2025) and Tennessee Tech,” Rams On SI’s Blaine Grisak posted on X on August 7.
Rams New Pass Rusher Drew Strong Words
GettyDaniel Rickert could fit right in with the Rams.
Rickert’s production does not immediately jump off the stat sheet, but the Rams’ new EDGE received lofty praise from Cavaliers defensive coordinator John Rudzinski.
Rudzinski called Rickert their “best player” during their 2025 campaign.
“He’s the most productive guy that we’ve had,” Rudzinski said, per Wahoos247’s Jacquie Franciulli in September 2025. “He’s practiced that way in fall camp. And what it does is it pushes everybody else around him to continue to be better.”
Rudzinski also noted Rickert’s football IQ, citing his being an engineering major, so “the X’s and O’s aren’t too much for him.
The coach believes Rickert “took advantage” of his skill set at UVA.
“He’s naturally gifted as far as his ability to accelerate. He plays fast and tough and violent, and frankly, he finds a way to be around the ball,” Rudzinski said, per Franciulli. “The characteristics he has, along with you know what great football IQ has allowed him to make a lot of plays.”
Rams Have Second Wave of Pass Rushers
GettyJosaiah Stewart is part of a deep rotation of pass rushers for the Rams.
Rickert is joining a group that has already shown flashes of being able to shoulder the load when Garrett and/or Young need a blow on the sideline.
Josaiah Stewart impressed during Garrett’s recent absence from practice due to general soreness. The Rams also have Keir Thomas and signed veteran Tomon Fox and rookie Darryn Peterson II this offseason.
As every team knows, they can never have too many pass rushers.
Rams Shake Up Roster Behind Myles Garrett, Byron Young