Assessing The St. Louis Rams Top Need Heading Into 2015 Free Agency

Oct 26, 2014; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns outside linebacker Jabaal Sheard (97) against Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Browns won 23-13. Mandatory Credit: Ron Schwane-USA TODAY Sports

Outside Linebacker

Following the trade for Mark Barron, the “need” for outside linebacker on the Rams dropped significantly. With both Jeff Fisher and Gregg Williams operating heavily out of the nickel package, and Jo-Lonn Dunbar being a low-cost “base” 4-3 option, the importance of upgrading the unit shouldn’t be considered dire, by any stretch.

However, there are some intriguing options for outside linebacker in the upcoming class, including a myriad of young, not-yet-in-their-prime players that could stick around in St. Louis for a long time. Jabaal Sheard is an under-the-radar guy that played well in limited snaps for the Cleveland Browns last season, primarily as a pass rushing specialist. However, he also excelled against the run, and possesses the size and athleticism fill the “Dunbar role.”

Top candidate: Jabaal Sheard, Cleveland

Second option: Derrick Morgan, Tennessee

Next: The Rest