Dissecting the St Louis Rams: Defensive Tackle

The St Louis Rams defensive front is obviously scary. So scary in fact, that I had to write a separate piece to space out the defensive line from the defensive ends. Fisher loves his defense, and after taking a talent like Aaron Donald last year, I will never question him again. Lets see how well Fisher has done.

Nov 23, 2014; San Diego, CA, USA; St. Louis Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald (99) celebrates against the San Diego Chargers during the fourth quarter at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

Aaron Donald

When this guys name was called in the 2014 draft, I was very disappointed. I thought, “he’s to small.” and “he just doesn’t have enough strength.”

Thank you for making me look like I have no idea what I’m doing Aaron.

Seriously, this kid proved everyone wrong. Donald recorded nine sacks and two forced fumbles during his rookie campaign, while only playing about half of the snaps. Donald has great speed for a defensive tackle, and is quick off the ball. Despite his height and frame, he still has accumulated enough strength to blow by any of the lineman the league has to offer. Donald has very little downside, and proved he can play in this league by winning defensive rookie of the year honors.

Even when you look at Donalds scouting report, the only thing that critics could find wrong with his game was his size, and his run-blocking. So what did Donald do? proved them wrong by recording 11 “stuffs” in his rookie campaign. Donald did sometimes get burnt by double teams, but other than that, he showed that he will be a force to be reckoned with in years to come. Donald can use his speed, active hands, and athleticism to blow by even the highest rated lineman, and will only get better as time goes on.

Dec 15, 2013; St. Louis, MO, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) passes as St. Louis Rams defensive tackle Michael Brockers (90) and defensive end Eugene Sims (97) defend during the second half at the Edward Jones Dome. The Rams defeated the Saints 27-16. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports

Michael Brockers

Brockers is the unsung hero of the defensive front. Brockers lacks all the bells and whistles Aaron Donald brings, but makes up for it by using his strength to be a run stopping machine. Brockers also has the ability to drive lineman inside the pocket to flush the quarterback out. Brockers is the guy that can take on two lineman at once and stand his ground. In some cases, he can even drive double teams back.

Brockers is a little on the slow side however. A big issue I have with him is his motor. I might have been spoiled seeing guys like Long, Quinn, and Donald chase players downfield, because Brockers sometimes appears downright lazy to me.

Brockers is there for a reason. His strength allows him to plug up holes and draw double teams, which might not look good stat wise, but Fisher knows the importance of what he brings.

Oct 12, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Detroit Lions defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh (90) and defensive tackle Nick Fairley (98) sack Minnesota Vikings quarterback Teddy Bridgewater (5) in the fourth quarter at TCF Bank Stadium. The Lions win 17-3. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

Nick Fairley

Fairley has the potential to be everything Brockers struggles with. Fairley is another big, dominant defensive tackle that draws the double teams and can push them back. Fairley has the advantage however, of being an excellent pass rusher. Fairley has a great move and uses his quick step combined with his strength to get to the quarterback a lot faster then some defensive tackles can. Fairley also has a higher motor than Brockers does, making plays downfield occasionally.

Fairley has struggled with off field issues. He gained massive amounts of weight, and struggled to play well at Detroit.

Despite his downsides, Fairley has dropped the weight, and is genualy excited to play for Williams’ defense. Players who come play for Gregg often end up succeeding. As will be the case for Fairley.

Oct 13, 2014; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Rams head coach Jeff Fisher yells at defensive tackle Ethan Westbrooks (93) after he was called for a personal foul during the second half against the San Francisco 49ers at the Edward Jones Dome. San Francisco defeated St. Louis 31-17. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports

Ethan Westbrooks

Westbrooks spent last year as a backup defensive end, but has been changed to defensive tackle according to the Rams website.

Westbrooks recorded only five tackles his rookie year, but he made this team for a reason. He showed great promise in the pre-season, showing a high motor, and great ability to rush the passer. (which makes me wonder why he is at DT now, could be a typo, but ill trust in Fisher.)

Westbrooks must improve in the running game, he must also train hard if he wants to play with the impressive group the Rams have. Hopefully we will see an improved player come pre-season.

The Rams have so much depth here, everyone will play off each other wonderfully, and with so much depth starting and more coming behind it, what more could you ask?

Official Grade: A

Next: Does Nick Foles have Something to Prove?

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