Rams Welcome Undrafted Lineman Decarius Hawthorne to Boost Defense

Hawthorne, California, USA - In an intriguing move for the 2025 NFL season, the Los Angeles Rams have officially signed defensive lineman Decarius Hawthorne to a one-year contract. At 6-foot-2 and weighing in at 290 pounds, Hawthorne has made waves since going undrafted from the University of South Florida earlier this year. His journey towards the NFL began with a notable performance during the Buffalo Bills‘ rookie minicamp, showcasing his ability to hold his own on the field.

During his college career, Hawthorne exhibited impressive statistics, racking up 80 tackles, 20 tackles for loss, and 7.5 sacks over the course of 48 games. In 2024 alone, he was a standout player for the USF defensive line, leading his peers with 40 tackles and 2.5 sacks. Along with his skills, he also demonstrated tenacity, forcing one fumble and recovering another. The Rams look forward to seeing what he can bring to their already robust defensive line, which boasts names like Kobie Turner, Braden Fiske, and Poona Ford.

Hawthorne’s Background

Decarius Hawthorne’s footballing journey has taken him from South Florida to a budding role with the Rams. His inclusion in the USF Bulls roster underscores his athletic talent, as detailed in a 2024 roster listing. As a college player, he honed his skills alongside other notable athletes, consistently displaying his readiness to tackle challenges on the field. With the Rams, he hopes to carve out a lasting spot and make an impact as he competes against both seasoned professionals and other rookies alike.

Expectations and Challenges

The upcoming summer will be crucial for Hawthorne as he aims to impress Rams‘ defensive coordinator Chris Shula. Opportunities abound on the team, and Hawthorne’s performance will dictate his future role. His college stats might raise expectations, but it’s important to remember the competitive nature of the NFL. Each player’s journey is unique, and the Rams will be looking closely at how well Hawthorne can adapt to the professional level, which is markedly different from college play.

For those unfamiliar with the NFL grading landscape, Pro Football Focus (PFF) provides valuable insights into player performance. They evaluate players not just by traditional stats but by their contributions on every play. This innovative grading system considers variables such as pass blocking, run defense, and other position-specific actions, effectively creating a more refined picture of a player’s impact on the game than basic statistics could ever provide. Hawthorne’s stats at USF suggest he has a foundation to build upon, but how well he transitions to this rigorous evaluation system will be closely watched.

As the Rams prepare for the season, all eyes will be on Decarius Hawthorne as he steps into this new phase of his career. Football is as much about passion and grit as it is about stats; the Rams will be hoping he has a good hand in balancing both as he attempts to earn his place on the team.

For more on Decarius Hawthorne’s signing and the Rams‘ strategy going into the season, check out this article on Rams Wire. To explore his college background further, visit USF Bulls. For insight into NFL player performance evaluations, head over to Pro Football Focus.