5 Hot topics for Rams camp

Mar 13, 2015; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Rams head coach Jeff Fisher (left) introduces newly acquired defensive tackle Nick Fairley to the media at Rams Park. Mandatory Credit: Billy Hurst-USA TODAY Sports

5. Where does Nick Fairley fit in the St. Louis defense?

Fairley was a significant free agent signing this offseason for the Rams, and comes in on the heels of an injury riddled season in Detroit. He was a first-round selection by the Lions, but fell out of favor after injuries and weight issues kept him from reaching the next level. St. Louis picked him up on a one-year deal. However, the question is, where does he fit in this defense. It’s safe to say that he will not be asked to change position to the outside to compete with Robert Quinn or Chris Long. It’s also safe to think he will not be rotating with Pro-Bowler Aaron Donald, so that leaves Michael Brockers. Brockers, a first-round draft selection himself, has had a solid career in St. Louis, however, he hasn’t quite lived up to his draft position. The Rams have also made a sizable financial commitment to Fairley in the way of $5 million for 2015. Pair those two facts together and you may have the makings of a replacement for Brockers along the line. Brockers is set to make $1.6 million in 2015, but jump to $6.1 million in 2016. If his current stat line continues, Brockers isn’t worth the money in 2016, the final year of his contract.