The Los Angeles Rams just got tougher on defense, and Buffs fans should be paying attention. Former Colorado linebacker Nate Landman (one of my favorite players of all-time) has found a new home in L.A., signing a one-year deal with the Rams after two solid seasons with the Atlanta Falcons.
For Landman, the decision was easy. The West Coast has always been home, and the opportunity to reunite with Rams assistant Jimmy Lake only made the move more appealing.
"A lot of things went into it," Landman said. "The success of this program, growing up in California, and my relationship with Jimmy Lake—those things made it an easy decision."
Lake, who worked with Landman in Atlanta last year, returned to the Rams this offseason, giving Landman some familiarity with the defensive scheme. That continuity could help him carve out a key role in a linebacker room that lacks depth.
Landman has built a reputation as a hard-nosed, instinctive linebacker, a trait Buffs fans saw firsthand in Boulder. His college numbers speak for themselves—409 career tackles, two-time first-team All-Pac-12 honors, and a relentless motor that never quit, even after injuries.
Now, he gets a fresh start under Sean McVay, a coach he holds in high regard.
"You can tell he relates to his guys and gets the best out of them," Landman said. "It’s exciting to play for a leader like that."
With a chance to earn a starting role, Landman is set to prove he belongs. If there’s one thing Buffs fans know, it’s that doubting him is never a good idea.