What Role Will Nick Fairley Play Next Year?

It’s not too often when you see a 13th overall selection not receive a contract extension from the team that drafted them. Add that onto the already loaded St. Louis Rams defensive line, and you just might argue the Rams not only have the best defensive line, but now possibly the deepest as well. With the addition of Nick Fairley, the Rams have the scariest defensive line in the entire NFL.

After coming off a rather disappointing year, the Detroit Lions decided not to pick up the 5th year option on Nick Fairley, making him a free agent. Fairley was one of the most targeted free agents this year, as a lot of teams were trying to add a possible vital part to their defensive line. It didn’t take long for the Rams to snag Fairley up though. The first day Fairley came to Rams Park he ended up signing a 1 year deal that day. At a very team friendly contract, the Rams were able to sign Fairley to a 1 year, 5 million dollar deal, (that can possibly go all the way up to 8 million on incentives).

Now, were exactly does Fairley fit into the Rams defense? Well, if he isn’t the starter at the beginning of the year, he will definitely give the Rams added depth at Defensive Tackle. Fairley is arguably coming off his worst year as a pro. He only tallied one sack, and only one forced fumble, but there is definitely reason to believe that a season like that won’t repeat itself.

Fairley is a definitely someone who will be able to fill gaps in the run game, and be able to drive offensive lineman back when rushing the passer. At 6’4″ 308 lbs, it’s not hard to tell that strength is Fairley’s greatest asset. Fairley is at his best when he is bull rushing the passer. Fairley has shown that he is a very capable pass rusher as a Defensive Tackle.

From 2012-2013, Fairley had 11.5 sacks, which is very impressive, especially coming from a defensive lineman. Also during that time he had 69 combined tackles, (49 solo tackles). This shows that Fairley is able to burst through the line and fill gaps very effectively in the run game. The Rams finished 14th in the NFL in rushing defense last year, giving up 110 rushing yards per game. Fairley is definitely the kind of guy that will help this number go down from last year.

It’s easy to see why this was a fantastic signing for the Rams in the end. Not only does it give the Rams another solid option at defensive line, but it also keeps fresh legs on the field by adding depth. The Rams are nothing short of talent when it comes to the defensive line, now it is just time to put all the pieces together and perform on Sundays.

Next: 2015 St. Louis Rams: Game by Game Predicitons

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