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The Los Angeles Rams have fielded a dominant defensive line over the past few years. The Rams did lose two key defensive linemen in Chris Long and Nick Fairley, and yet this year’s defensive line has the potential to be even more scary.
Some may think the loss of Long was a huge blow to the defensive line, but the reality is that he hadn’t started much since 2013. Actually, it was William Hayes who did a solid job during his absence, so much so that the Rams were more than happy to pay him to stay in Los Angeles.
In essence, the Rams have the same starters as last year. This means a more cohesive front four topped with some of the league’s best defensive linemen. Robert Quinn can be one of the best defensive ends in the league if he stays healthy. Michael Brockers will always play a selfless role, but it hasn’t gone unnoticed, because much of the Rams defense benefits from his run-stuffing capability. Aaron Donald is the best defensive tackle in the NFL, and is arguably the best overall defender. Add in Hayes, and it’s clear that the Rams have the best defensive line in the NFL.
An interesting note is the Rams currently have five former first round picks on their defensive line: Quinn (14th overall pick of the 2011 NFL Draft), Brockers (14th overall pick of the 2012 NFL Draft), Quinton Coples (16th overall pick of the 2012 NFL Draft), Donald (13th overall pick of the 2014 NFL Draft) and recently added Dominique Easley (29th overall pick of the 2014 NFL Draft). True, only three of the five players have proven to be solid contributors in the NFL (Quinn, Brockers and Donald), but that doesn’t mean Coples and Easley can’t reach their potential.
Coples was highly touted coming out of UNC for his massive frame, overall strength and pass rushing capability. Being drafted into the New York Jets’ 3-4 system was not the best situation for him. Coples never really developed into the player he could potentially be, but we’ve seen defensive coordinator Gregg Williams revive careers, and Coples could certainly benefit being a situational pass rusher. If all goes well, Coples will resume the role that Hayes had before Long became injury prone.
It’s a little more challenging to understand what exactly the Rams are getting with Easley. In two seasons with the New England Patriots, he only participated in 22 games and started ust three times. Part of the intrigue with Easley when he came out of Florida was that he plays with a relentless motor. The Rams took a risk with Fairley last year, and it worked to their advantage. Williams can certainly coach up Easley, and the agreement isn’t really a risk at all since the Rams didn’t provide any guarantees in his contract. In other words, the Rams either found a solid replacement with plenty of upside or a soon-to-be-cut player with no penalty toward the salary cap.
If Coples and Easley reach their potential, this will no doubt be the best overall defensive line in the NFL. This isn’t even including Eugene Sims, who has been a great addition since being drafted by the Rams in 2010. Also, if Coples and Easley don’t work out, there are other hungry young players like Ethan Westbrooks and Louis Trinca-Pasat waiting for their opportunity.
Source: Pro-football-reference.com
You can follow Johnny Gomez on Twitter @Johnny5not6. Be sure to follow Rams Talk on Twitter @TalkRams.
2011 NFL Draft, 2012 NFL Draft, 2014 NFL Draft, 2016, Aaron Donald, Chris Long, Dominique Easley, Ethan Westbrooks, Eugene Sims, featured, Greg Williams, Los Angeles Rams, Louis Trinca-Pasat, Michael Brockers, NFL, Nick Fairley, Quinton Coples, Robert Quinn, Sack City, William Hayes
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The Los Angeles Rams have fielded a dominant defensive line over the past few years. The Rams did lose two key defensive linemen in Chris Long and Nick Fairley, and yet this year’s defensive line has the potential to be even more scary.
Some may think the loss of Long was a huge blow to the defensive line, but the reality is that he hadn’t started much since 2013. Actually, it was William Hayes who did a solid job during his absence, so much so that the Rams were more than happy to pay him to stay in Los Angeles.
In essence, the Rams have the same starters as last year. This means a more cohesive front four topped with some of the league’s best defensive linemen. Robert Quinn can be one of the best defensive ends in the league if he stays healthy. Michael Brockers will always play a selfless role, but it hasn’t gone unnoticed, because much of the Rams defense benefits from his run-stuffing capability. Aaron Donald is the best defensive tackle in the NFL, and is arguably the best overall defender. Add in Hayes, and it’s clear that the Rams have the best defensive line in the NFL.
An interesting note is the Rams currently have five former first round picks on their defensive line: Quinn (14th overall pick of the 2011 NFL Draft), Brockers (14th overall pick of the 2012 NFL Draft), Quinton Coples (16th overall pick of the 2012 NFL Draft), Donald (13th overall pick of the 2014 NFL Draft) and recently added Dominique Easley (29th overall pick of the 2014 NFL Draft). True, only three of the five players have proven to be solid contributors in the NFL (Quinn, Brockers and Donald), but that doesn’t mean Coples and Easley can’t reach their potential.
Coples was highly touted coming out of UNC for his massive frame, overall strength and pass rushing capability. Being drafted into the New York Jets’ 3-4 system was not the best situation for him. Coples never really developed into the player he could potentially be, but we’ve seen defensive coordinator Gregg Williams revive careers, and Coples could certainly benefit being a situational pass rusher. If all goes well, Coples will resume the role that Hayes had before Long became injury prone.
It’s a little more challenging to understand what exactly the Rams are getting with Easley. In two seasons with the New England Patriots, he only participated in 22 games and started ust three times. Part of the intrigue with Easley when he came out of Florida was that he plays with a relentless motor. The Rams took a risk with Fairley last year, and it worked to their advantage. Williams can certainly coach up Easley, and the agreement isn’t really a risk at all since the Rams didn’t provide any guarantees in his contract. In other words, the Rams either found a solid replacement with plenty of upside or a soon-to-be-cut player with no penalty toward the salary cap.
If Coples and Easley reach their potential, this will no doubt be the best overall defensive line in the NFL. This isn’t even including Eugene Sims, who has been a great addition since being drafted by the Rams in 2010. Also, if Coples and Easley don’t work out, there are other hungry young players like Ethan Westbrooks and Louis Trinca-Pasat waiting for their opportunity.
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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