Rams Add Intriguing Edge Prospect Following Conclusion of Training Camp

The Los Angeles Rams signed former Virginia edge rusher Daniel Rickert ahead of the preseason. Could he compete for a practice squad spot?

Sep 13, 2025; Charlottesville, Virginia, USA; William & Mary Tribe quarterback Tyler Hughes (6) is sacked by Virginia Cavaliers defensive lineman Daniel Rickert (52) ball against the Virginia Cavaliers during the second quarter at Scott Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The Los Angeles Rams added another edge rusher to their rotation on Friday by signing Virginia’s Daniel Rickert. On Thursday, the Rams concluded training camp and will begin the preseason next week.

It’s very likely that Rickert is just another body for the preseason, but in the best-case scenario, he earns a spot on the practice squad or puts out good tape that he can send to other teams.

Rickert had a six-year collegiate career, appearing in 57 games with 37 starts. He played the first five years of his career at Tennessee Tech before transferring to Virginia last season. At Virginia last season, Rickert had 36 tackles and 6.5 sacks. He also forced a fumble.

Last season, Rickert ranked second on Virginia’s defense in pressures with 37. He finished the season with a 73.1 overall defense grade via PFF.

In 2024 at Tennessee Tech, Rickert earned the Robert Hill Johnson Award, which is the program’s highest honor. The award has been given out every year since 1952 and is selected each year by a vote of members of the Tech football team.

According to PFF, Rickert had 34 pressures, which led Tennessee Tech. Among FBS and FCS players with at least 400 defensive snaps, Rickert’s 84.0 overall defense grade ranked 29th. He also showed some versatility over his final two years, playing some snaps in coverage.

Daniel Rickert is a LB prospect in the 2026 draft class. He scored a 6.85 RAS out of a possible 10.00. This ranked 1056 out of 3346 LB from 1987 to 2026.https://t.co/SlhekjXYwx pic.twitter.com/h8GjbbhD4s
— RAS.football (@MathBomb) March 26, 2026

It’s certainly going to be difficult for Rickert to make the roster. The Rams are already deep on the edge with Josaiah Stewart and Desjuan Johnson behind Myles Garrett and Byron Young. Those players also had a very impressive training camp and will be ahead of Rickert in the system.

With that said, Rickert should be able to compete with players like Tomon Fox, Keir Thomas, Eddie Walls, Wesley Bailey, and Darryl Peterson III. The Rams will likely keep at least two of those players on the practice squad and Rickert could steal one of those spots.

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