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The Los Angeles Rams surprised many experts across the NFL when they released long-time defensive end Chris Long. Now they have a need to fill on the defensive line, and if their track record is any indication, the Rams may look to replace Long with a defensive end early in the 2016 NFL Draft. If they do, former Eastern Kentucky and Ohio State defensive end Noah Spence may be the answer they are looking for.
Tough History
Ohio State signed Spence as a can’t miss five-star prospect as part of its 2012 recruiting class. He made a small impact during his freshman season, and burst onto the scene during his sophomore campaign with 14 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks in 13 games. Spence appeared to be on the fast track for stardom.
Unfortunately, off-the-field issues caught up to Spence. He was suspended for three games late in the 2013 season due to drug use, forcing him to sit out the Buckeyes’ Orange Bowl loss to Clemson. Spence finished his suspension by missing the first two games of the 2014 season only to test positive again for drugs. Ecstasy was apparently his drug of choice.
Finally, the Big Ten ruled him permanently ineligible following an appeal by Ohio State. Spence was forced to make a choice: transfer or enter the 2015 NFL Draft. In the end, he transferred to Eastern Kentucky and rebuilt his career by recording 22.5 tackles for loss and 11.5 sacks. Spence is viewed by many experts as a mid-to-late first round pick.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Spence reminds me of Grant Wistrom in terms of his never-ending motor. He plays just as fast and hard in the fourth quarter as he does in the first quarter. Spence features a strong rip move and good burst up-field. He’s also strong in pursuit against the run. His nose for the football sets him apart from other linemen in this draft. In terms of ability, Spence is a solid first round pick.
The problem is his measurables. Spence isn’t the tallest or longest lineman out there. He also needs to show more control and aggression at the point of attack. Offensive linemen did sometimes find it easy to find him and take him out of plays as well.
However, the biggest area of concern about Spence is his drug history. His journey through personal adversity could either be a powerful story of maturation, or it could be a red flag for teams to stay away from him. The talent is there for him to be a starter at defensive end for a decade, but the warning signs are there that show he could end up being another draft bust.
The Rams would do well to take a deep look at Spence. Everything I saw out of him at Ohio State tells me that Spence could be a star opposite of Robert Quinn on the defensive line. He’s got a strong enough motor that he should be able to overcome his smaller measurables. It comes down to whether or not the Rams believe his past drug abuse is over. Spence could be a steal in the draft for a team looking for a talented defensive lineman.
Derek Ciapala has been following the Rams since childhood. He has been published on Yahoo! Sports, Sports Out West and multiple other websites. You can check him out on Facebook or Twitter @dciapala.
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The Los Angeles Rams surprised many experts across the NFL when they released long-time defensive end Chris Long. Now they have a need to fill on the defensive line, and if their track record is any indication, the Rams may look to replace Long with a defensive end early in the 2016 NFL Draft. If they do, former Eastern Kentucky and Ohio State defensive end Noah Spence may be the answer they are looking for.
Tough History
Ohio State signed Spence as a can’t miss five-star prospect as part of its 2012 recruiting class. He made a small impact during his freshman season, and burst onto the scene during his sophomore campaign with 14 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks in 13 games. Spence appeared to be on the fast track for stardom.
Unfortunately, off-the-field issues caught up to Spence. He was suspended for three games late in the 2013 season due to drug use, forcing him to sit out the Buckeyes’ Orange Bowl loss to Clemson. Spence finished his suspension by missing the first two games of the 2014 season only to test positive again for drugs. Ecstasy was apparently his drug of choice.
Finally, the Big Ten ruled him permanently ineligible following an appeal by Ohio State. Spence was forced to make a choice: transfer or enter the 2015 NFL Draft. In the end, he transferred to Eastern Kentucky and rebuilt his career by recording 22.5 tackles for loss and 11.5 sacks. Spence is viewed by many experts as a mid-to-late first round pick.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Spence reminds me of Grant Wistrom in terms of his never-ending motor. He plays just as fast and hard in the fourth quarter as he does in the first quarter. Spence features a strong rip move and good burst up-field. He’s also strong in pursuit against the run. His nose for the football sets him apart from other linemen in this draft. In terms of ability, Spence is a solid first round pick.
The problem is his measurables. Spence isn’t the tallest or longest lineman out there. He also needs to show more control and aggression at the point of attack. Offensive linemen did sometimes find it easy to find him and take him out of plays as well.
However, the biggest area of concern about Spence is his drug history. His journey through personal adversity could either be a powerful story of maturation, or it could be a red flag for teams to stay away from him. The talent is there for him to be a starter at defensive end for a decade, but the warning signs are there that show he could end up being another draft bust.
The Rams would do well to take a deep look at Spence. Everything I saw out of him at Ohio State tells me that Spence could be a star opposite of Robert Quinn on the defensive line. He’s got a strong enough motor that he should be able to overcome his smaller measurables. It comes down to whether or not the Rams believe his past drug abuse is over. Spence could be a steal in the draft for a team looking for a talented defensive lineman.
Derek Ciapala has been following the Rams since childhood. He has been published on Yahoo! Sports, Sports Out West and multiple other websites. You can check him out on Facebook or Twitter @dciapala.
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