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2016 Preview: Five underappreciated defensive contributors on the Los Angeles Rams - Rams Talk
2016-Present

2016 Preview: Five underappreciated defensive contributors on the Los Angeles Rams

Not to point out the obvious, but the Los Angeles Rams have a great defense. Naturally, there will be some players that are overlooked and underappreciated. Here is a look at the unheralded members of the talent-laden Rams defense:

Defensive tackle Michael Brockers

Who remembers the 2012 NFL Draft and being disgusted with the Rams for selecting Brockers 14th overall? Not many fans are willing to admit it, but I recall the disappointed and enraged comments plastered everywhere. Just when Brockers was getting some recognition, Aaron Donald was drafted, and the former LSU star became an afterthought once again. Brockers continues to quietly fill his role, earning 109 tackles, 14.5 sacks and two forced fumbles in four seasons with the Rams as a run stuffer. General manager Les Snead better be in negotiations with Brockers right now, because we can expect teams to overpay for him if he tests the free agent market.

Punter Johnny Hekker

Technically speaking, Hekker is part of the special teams, but I am not going to make a list about the special teams. Besides, punting is part of a defensive strategy. Considering that the Rams offense mastered the art of three-and-outs, the Rams truly needed a great punter and found one in Hekker when he signed with the Rams as an undrafted free agent in 2012. That not too shabby since he’s already made it to the Pro Bowl and averaged 47.9 yards per punt last season. Hekker also doesn’t have a bad arm and is commonly known for his fake punts.

Defensive end William Hayes

Some fans think that William Hayes is barely taking over for former Rams defensive end Chris Long, but that isn’t really the case. Hayes has filled in for Long for years due to injuries. He has kept the Rams’ defensive line dominant, and he deserves a lot more praise. While Hayes’s stats aren’t too flashy, opposing teams have had a hard time containing him. He’s relentless against the pass and relies on his natural instincts to make plays or create pressure. Hayes uses spin moves, use excellent hand placement and features a great burst off the snap. I expect to see a huge season from Hayes in 2016.

Defensive end Eugene Sims

It was absolutely vital bringing back Hayes, but bringing back Sims was important as well Sims is another guys that has underrated role, making an impact whenever he relieves Hayes or Robert Quinn. He’s even started on a number of occasions when Hayes or Quinn have been banged up with injuries. Sims has been a huge threat on special teams and has been known to block some field goals and punt attempts. Quite possibly my favorite fun fact about Sims is that he has become a real nuisance against the Seattle Seahawks, constantly putting pressure on quarterback Russell Wilson.

Defensive coordinator Gregg Williams

Okay, so technically he’s not a player, but defensive coordinator Gregg Williams is a major part of the defense. Say what you want about Williams, but his impact as the Rams’ defensive coordinator has been undeniable. He’s made careers and revitalized them with the most notable being the hybrid safety/linebacker Mark Barron. It seems that every year general manager Les Snead brings in these kinds of players to see what Williams can do, and it always works out. He basically restored the career of defensive tackle Nick Fairley. It should be interesting to see if he can improve the likes of DE Quinton Coples and DT Dominique Easley. Regardless, the Rams are lucky to have him on the coaching staff.

Source: Pro-football-reference.com

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

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