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The Los Angeles Rams selected Kentucky linebacker Josh Forrest in the sixth round of the 2016 NFL Draft.
Forrest was a highly productive player over his last collegiate two seasons as a starter, registering 202 tackles, 14.5 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks and two interceptions over that span. The former wide receiver used his lateral quickness, athleticism and length to his advantage at his new position. He primarily excelled as a blitzing linebacker by using his quick feet to consistently get into the backfield.
However, he struggled at times with his tackling technique, which led to 22 broken tackles over his last two seasons. Forrest also had issues in pass coverage that were only heightened by his poor tackling in spaces.
Forrest could potentially fit into a similar role that Daren Bates played with Rams as a special teams player and could spell Alec Ogletree on occasions. He isn’t an every-down option, but could be an effective player against the run due to his ability to get in the backfield as a blitzer or gap shooter.
Another possibility could be utilizing Forrest as an edge rusher because of his length and athleticism. What also may fuel this scenario is the fact that Los Angeles has an obvious lack of depth at outside linebacker entering training camp, with no strong option behind converted weakside linebacker Mark Barron.
If Forrest were to slide over to that role another comparison is outside linebacker Jo-Lonn Dunbar, who spent three seasons with the Rams. He was primarily used against the run and blitz packages. However, Dunbar proved to be a liability against the pass that eventually led to his role with the team steadily diminishing.
Despite being selected late in the draft, Forrest has a strong chance of making the Rams’ regular-season roster because of his versatility and athleticism. If he’s able to compete well in training camp and the preseason, there will be a spot for him on the team.
Bob Garcia IV is a sports journalist from Southern California. He is also the Los Angeles Lakers beat writer for Sportsoutwest.com and About.com. He was a reporter for the award-winning newspaper, The Daily Sundial, at California State University, Northridge. You can follow him on Twitter, @Bgarcia90.
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The Los Angeles Rams selected Kentucky linebacker Josh Forrest in the sixth round of the 2016 NFL Draft.
Forrest was a highly productive player over his last collegiate two seasons as a starter, registering 202 tackles, 14.5 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks and two interceptions over that span. The former wide receiver used his lateral quickness, athleticism and length to his advantage at his new position. He primarily excelled as a blitzing linebacker by using his quick feet to consistently get into the backfield.
However, he struggled at times with his tackling technique, which led to 22 broken tackles over his last two seasons. Forrest also had issues in pass coverage that were only heightened by his poor tackling in spaces.
Forrest could potentially fit into a similar role that Daren Bates played with Rams as a special teams player and could spell Alec Ogletree on occasions. He isn’t an every-down option, but could be an effective player against the run due to his ability to get in the backfield as a blitzer or gap shooter.
Another possibility could be utilizing Forrest as an edge rusher because of his length and athleticism. What also may fuel this scenario is the fact that Los Angeles has an obvious lack of depth at outside linebacker entering training camp, with no strong option behind converted weakside linebacker Mark Barron.
If Forrest were to slide over to that role another comparison is outside linebacker Jo-Lonn Dunbar, who spent three seasons with the Rams. He was primarily used against the run and blitz packages. However, Dunbar proved to be a liability against the pass that eventually led to his role with the team steadily diminishing.
Despite being selected late in the draft, Forrest has a strong chance of making the Rams’ regular-season roster because of his versatility and athleticism. If he’s able to compete well in training camp and the preseason, there will be a spot for him on the team.
Bob Garcia IV is a sports journalist from Southern California. He is also the Los Angeles Lakers beat writer for Sportsoutwest.com and About.com. He was a reporter for the award-winning newspaper, The Daily Sundial, at California State University, Northridge. You can follow him on Twitter, @Bgarcia90.
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