2012-2016- The Fisher Era

Should the St. Louis Rams begin contract talks with DT Michael Brockers?

The St. Louis Rams have a terrifying defensive line, and one player on that four-man front that rarely receives any credit is defensive tackle Michael Brockers. He plays a selfless role, and the definition of his job is to make everyone around him better.

So why bring it up now? The Rams picked up his fifth-year option of his rookie contract earlier this offseason, so technically he is signed through the 2016 season at just under $3 million a year. That’s great, but Brockers is only 24 years old, has a devoted work ethic and has proven himself in just three seasons in the NFL. Teams are foaming at the mouth to have an opportunity to sign him in 2017. It’s likely that teams will overpay for him as well.

Before teams receive the opportunity, the priority should be to at least engage in preliminary talks. If he tests the free agent market in 2017, chances are he won’t sign with the Rams. He needs to see that the Rams are seriously willing to invest in his career.

But what has Brockers done since coming to the Rams? It’s no secret that the Rams have an intimidating defensive line, and it’s partly because of Brockers’s role.

Going back to the 2012 NFL Draft, some experts weren’t sure why the Rams drafted Brockers 14th overall. His stats with the LSU Tigers weren’t impressive, and the likes of Fletcher Cox and Dontari Poe were already drafted. However, Brockers can challenge an entire offense. He is incredibly intelligent, patient and often times visualizes screens and weaknesses in the offensive line, which requires more attention given to him. Add in the fact that he contributes to a defensive line that features Chris Long, Aaron Donald and Robert Quinn, and it’s almost unfair.

When the Rams drafted Brockers, many experts believed he wouldn’t have many stats to showcase, but in three seasons, he has 82 tackles, 11.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and two pass deflections. Not bad for a “reserved role.” But wait, didn’t Donald earn nine sacks in his rookie season? They have two different roles and Brockers’s job is to create opportunities for Donald and the rest of the defensive front. I’m not taking anything away from the Defensive Rookie of the Year either, he created his own opportunities too.

Are contract talks a bit premature? Possibly, but it can’t hurt. If it benefits the player and the team, I’m all for it. It’s likely on general manager Les Snead’s radar, at least I hope so.

Source: Pro-sports-reference.com, Spotrac.com

You can follow Johnny Gomez on Twitter @Johnny5not6. Be sure to follow Rams Talk on Twitter @TalkRams.

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