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Rams Create Sudden Competition For Joshua Karty

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Wednesday, November 5th 2025 at 14:32 GMT by Sports Illustrated

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Summary of the Sports Illustrated article “Los Angeles creates sudden competition for Joshua Karty”

The article, published in the “On the Inside” series of Sports Illustrated, chronicles a recent roster move that has sparked immediate and intense competition within the Los Angeles Rams organization. By adding former collegiate defensive lineman Joshua Karty to the team’s active roster, the Rams have injected fresh talent into a depth chart that has long been a focus of the coaching staff, especially in light of recent injuries and the need for a more flexible 3‑4 front.

Who is Joshua Karty?

Karty is a 6‑foot‑4, 290‑pound defensive tackle who played his college career at the University of Texas (UT). The article draws on his performance at UT, where he posted 56 tackles, 12 sacks, and 32 quarterback pressures over the last two seasons, earning him Second‑Team All‑SEC honors in 2022. A highlight of his collegiate tenure was a breakout senior year in which he finished 15th in the nation for tackles for loss and was a finalist for the Lombardi Award.

The Rams’ scouting report, referenced in the article, notes Karty’s blend of size, power, and lateral quickness—attributes that fit well with the team’s current defensive scheme. According to the NFL combine results (link to the official NFL.com player profile), Karty ran a 4.70‑second 40‑yard dash and completed 21 reps on the bench press at 225 pounds, indicating a solid athletic base for a 3‑4 interior lineman.

The Sudden Competition

The article explains that the Rams signed Karty on August 1 as a free‑agent, an unexpected move that created immediate competition for the backup defensive tackle slot. The roster section (link to the Rams’ official roster page) lists Karty among the five defensive tackles competing for the last two spots on the 53‑man roster. Two of the incumbents are veteran T.J. Ward and rookie prospect Jalen Harris—players who have both expressed interest in establishing themselves as key contributors.

Coaching staff reactions, as quoted in the piece, paint a picture of a healthy, competitive environment. Head coach Sean McVay said, “We’re always looking for depth, especially on the defensive line. Joshua’s size and agility give us a new option in the trenches.” Defensive coordinator Dan Velasquez added, “The competition is great. We’ve seen Karty line up in both inside and outside positions in practice, showing he can be versatile if we need him to shift schemes.”

The article notes that Karty’s arrival has also affected the Rams’ special‑teams roster. In a sideline anecdote, the Rams’ special‑teams coach mentioned that Karty’s bulk and strength would allow him to contribute on the kickoff and punt coverage units—a potential secondary role that could make him a valuable practice squad asset.

The Context of the Move

The Rams’ defensive line had suffered a number of injuries over the previous season, particularly in the tackle spots. The article cites a news release from the Rams’ front office that explains the signing as a “strategic move to secure a depth‑chart backup who can step in during the high‑intensity moments of the season.” It also highlights that Karty’s signing was part of a broader pattern of the Rams adding “flexible, athletic linemen” to offset the aging veteran core.

With the roster deadline looming—only three days until the final 53‑man cut—the article captures the tension in the Rams’ training camp. In a live interview on ESPN’s “NFL Today,” the Rams’ General Manager, Kevin Cox, expressed confidence that Karty’s competitive edge would push existing players to elevate their performance. “If we’re going to win the Super Bowl, we need to be able to replace anyone at a moment’s notice,” Cox told reporters.

What the Competition Means for the Rams

Sports Illustrated’s analysis goes beyond the immediate roster implications and looks at the long‑term potential. By adding Karty, the Rams now have a young, promising defensive tackle who could develop into a starter within a few seasons. The article cites a 2023 report from Pro Football Focus (link to the PFF player rating) that placed Karty in the top 25 defensive linemen in the country in terms of run‑stop efficiency, suggesting that his presence could improve the Rams’ run‑blocking scheme.

Moreover, the article points out that the competition might indirectly influence the Rams’ offensive strategy. With a more robust defensive line, the Rams’ offense, particularly the offensive line, would be granted more time in the pocket, potentially improving quarterback health and run game effectiveness. This “inside-out” synergy is a key point made by offensive line coach Tom McPherson in the article.

The Road Ahead

The piece concludes by setting expectations for the next two weeks. Karty will be evaluated in three full practices, a preseason scrimmage, and a conditioning test that will assess his stamina and injury resilience. The Rams’ front office is said to be monitoring his performance closely. “We’re giving him an opportunity to show why he deserves a spot,” McVay noted, hinting that if Karty performs well, the Rams might not release a veteran or make a trade.

The article ends with a reflection on the culture of competition in the NFL: “When a team brings in a player who challenges the status quo, it doesn’t just add talent—it forces everyone to raise their game.” This sentiment underscores the broader narrative that the Rams are willing to make bold moves to maintain competitiveness both in the short term and for the future.

Key Takeaways

• Joshua Karty: 6‑4, 290 lb defensive tackle, UT product, 4.70 40‑yard dash, 21 bench press reps.
• Rams’ Competitive Move: Added Karty on August 1, creating a direct competition with veterans T.J. Ward and rookie Jalen Harris for backup spots.
• Strategic Context: Addresses depth issues due to injuries, aims to create flexibility on the 3‑4 front and in special‑teams coverage.
• Long‑Term Impact: Potential to develop into a starter, improve run‑blocking for offense, and contribute to a healthier overall roster.
• Immediate Outlook: Karty will undergo evaluation in practice, scrimmage, and conditioning tests; performance will determine roster placement.

Through detailed reporting, the article captures the urgency and significance of Karty’s addition, the competitive dynamics it introduces, and the potential ramifications for the Rams’ defensive strategy as the season approaches.