The Rams didnt just add star players this offseason. Myles Garrett, Trent McDuffie and other veteran leaders are helping build one of the NFLs smartest teams.The Rams won the NFL offseason.They traded for All-Pro cornerback Trent McDuffie. Signed cornerback Jaylen Watson. Traded for two-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year Award winner Myles Garrett and drafted their future franchise quarterback in Ty Simpson.And that doesnt even include re-signing their own free agents.But the Rams didnt just spend the offseason collecting Pro-Bowlers, they assembled veteran leaders that can also help teach the next generation of young players.Trent McDuffie is pictured during the Rams training camp practice July 26. MediaNews Group via Getty ImagesSunday marked the Rams first day of training camp at Loyola Marymount University, an opportunity for the entire team to get together and practice what football is all about: 11-on-11, the best on offense going against the best on defense. And after that first day, one theme echoed through the noise: The Rams have a bevy of veteran leaders in all three facets of the game that can help teach the younger players.Lets start with two-time Super Bowl Champions McDuffie and Watson.Theyre true pros, defensive coordinator Chris Shula said of his new cornerbacks. They bring a great perspective to the room. Leadership is influence.The evidence of that was already unfolding on the practice field at LMU.Young defensive backs peppered McDuffie and Watson with questions between sessions. Veterans shared ideas instead of holding them close to the chest. Conversations flowed as naturally as the breeze off the Pacific Ocean.Everybody is combining their knowledge to become the best defense possible, Shula said.McDuffie, fresh off four seasons with the Chiefs, could have walked into camp with his two Super Bowl rings. Instead, he left his rsum at the door.Myles Garrett is pictured during the Rams training camp practice July 26. Getty ImagesIm not trying to change the culture, McDuffie said after practice. Its a clean slate. Lets come in and build with each other. I dont think there should be one guy up there that has to talk all the time. Everybody should have a voice.That philosophy already existed inside the Rams locker room where they had a handful of veteran leaders in quarterback and reigning MVP Matthew Stafford, safety Quentin Lake, linebacker Nate Landman, running back Kyren Williams, defensive end Kobie Turner, and punter Ethan Evans. All captains last season and players who coaches called the glue of the team and coaches on the field. You can now add McDuffie, Watson, and Garrett to that list.Garretts arrival may be the biggest addition of them all. The seven-time Pro-Bowler and five-time All-Pro changes games with his mere presence. Last season with the Browns, Garrett set the NFLs single-season sack record with 23 sacks, breaking the previous mark held by Michael Strahan and T.J. Watt. Now, his influence on his teammates could become just as valuable as his pass rush.Jaylen Watson is pictured during the Rams practice June 2. Getty ImagesWhen hes out there you can just feel his presence, said McDuffie of Garrett. Everybody talks about a players aura, and he definitely has one. Hes gigantic. Hes a monster.New Rams special teams coordinator Bubba Ventrone, who coached Garrett in Cleveland, knows him better than anyone.When there was an opportunity to acquire him, people started asking me about his character and the kind of person he is, said Ventrone. Having coached him over the last three years, I can tell you hes a great dude, a great teammate, and incredibly hard worker and just a complete freak of an athlete. Everyone is going to see it. Hes a special, special player.Jaylen Watson is pictured during the Rams practice June 2. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters ConnectVentrone, who was hired in the offseason to revamp a miserable Rams special teams unit that was ranked among the worst in the league last season, brought on two veteran special teamers in Joe Cardona and Grant Stuard to help leadership and accountability to that unit.Theyre two of my favorite players that Ive ever coached, said Ventrone of Cardona and Stuards NFL credibility. Theyre not only smart football players. Theyre smart people. Im grateful Les and Sean were able to bring them here.Snead and McVay didnt just simply add talent this offseason, they surrounded one of the NFLs youngest teams with veteran leaders, teachers, and extensions of the coaching staff.If that investment pays off with another Super Bowl at SoFi Stadium next February, then they didnt just assemble one of the most talented teams in NFL history. They may have assembled the smartest.Download The California Post App, follow us on social, and subscribe to our newsletters California Post News: Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X, YouTube, WhatsApp, LinkedInCalifornia Post SportsFacebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, XCalifornia Post OpinionCalifornia Post Newsletters: Sign up here!California Post App: Download here!Home delivery: Sign up here!Page Six Hollywood: Sign up here!