Los Angeles Rams’ Justin Dedich reveals journey to first NFL start

Despite being in his rookie season, former USC Trojan Justin Dedich has gone through a lot of ups and downs in just a few months with the Los Angeles Rams in his rookie year.

Dedich was a three-year starter for USC and earned a handful of college accolades. In 2022, he was named to the Pro Football Focus All-American Third Team and was honorable mention All-Pac-12. However, it wasn’t enough to get noticed during the 2024 NFL draft and Dedich went under the radar and went undrafted.

The undrafted California native, who played his high school ball at Chaparral in Southern California, signed an undrafted free agent contract with the Rams after the draft ended.

Dedich played for the Rams during the preseason, but was eventually cut from the final 53-man roster before the first week. He was re-signed to the Rams’ practice squad on August 28. Less than a month later, on Sept. 18, the Rams signed Dedich to the active roster after a slew of injuries on the offensive line left them stranded.

Dedich told the USC Trojans in SI that he never lost hope or confidence in himself when he didn’t make the initial 53-man roster.

“A couple of weeks ago, they told me he was on the practice squad,” Dedich opened. “So I just kept working, never gave up on myself. (I) just tried to get better and better every week.”

After his stint with the practice squad, Dedich made his debut during the Rams’ 27-24 Week 3 win over the San Francisco 49ers, replacing the defensive end.

“I got the call and was grateful for the opportunity with my teammates and other offensive linemen,” he said.

When Dedich got the news he was going to start, he credited his offensive linemates for helping him prepare for a tough assignment against the Raiders’ defensive front.

“The confidence they gave me all week, I knew I was ready. Kudos to the coaches and the other (offensive linemen) because they really help me get in the groove and get in the right frame of mind.” . he added.

In his first NFL start, Dedich allowed 0 pressures on 24 pass blocks, good enough for the No. 3 spot among rookie offensive lineman.

Dedich said it best when he described what his NFL experience has been like so far.

“It’s definitely been a crazy experience, it’s kind of true (that) you have to trust the process and stick with it… Football is crazy, you never know what’s going to happen,” Dedich admitted.