Myles Garrett trade rockets Rams roster to No. 1 in ESPN rankings

The Los Angeles Rams now have the best roster in the NFL. That's according to ESPN insiders, who bumped the Rams to No. 1 after the team traded for Myles Garrett. The deal, finalized in late June 2026, sent shockwaves through the league.

What did ESPN say about the Rams' roster?

ESPN's panel of insiders released updated roster rankings on 1 July 2026. The Rams jumped from No. 5 to the top spot. The reason? Adding Garrett, the league's most dominant defensive end. One insider called the move "a game-changer for an already deep squad."

How does Myles Garrett fit in Los Angeles?

Garrett, 30, joins a defensive front that already features Aaron Donald's successor, Kobie Turner, and edge rusher Byron Young. The Rams now have a pass rush that can wreck any game plan. Garrett's 14 sacks last season with Cleveland show he's still elite.

What does this mean for the NFC?

The Rams went 12-5 in 2025 and lost in the divisional round. Now they're the clear favorite in the NFC West. San Francisco and Seattle both have questions on their offensive lines. Garrett facing them twice a year is a nightmare for quarterbacks.

What comes next for Garrett and the Rams?

Training camp opens in late July. Garrett is expected to sign a contract extension soon, locking him in as the face of the defense. The Rams have a Week 1 matchup against the Detroit Lions on 10 September. That game will be an early test for the new-look roster.

Garrett himself said he's "excited to compete for a championship" in Los Angeles. The Rams haven't won a Super Bowl since 2022. With Garrett, they believe that drought ends soon.