Who Should the St. Louis Rams Keep: William Hayes or Eugene Sims?

Oct 24, 2015; Waco, TX, USA; Baylor Bears defensive end Shawn Oakman (2) during a game against the Iowa State Cyclones at McLane Stadium. Baylor won 45-27. Mandatory Credit: Ray Carlin-USA TODAY Sports

What if They Both Walk?

This would be an unfortunate scenario, but not a tragic one. Like I said before, the defensive line is not the issue with this pathetic football team; it’s an extremely incompetent passing offense and questionable coaching. The Rams can live without Hayes and Sims backing up the starters.

The Rams’ first priority in the re-signing period should be on their starting cornerbacks Janoris Jenkins and Trumaine Johnson. The coaching staff has realized that the two have developed into a very underrated yet formidable duo in the secondary, allowing the pass rush to generate pressure and sacks. Even though EJ Gaines should be back from his season-long injury, it is imperative to lock up both of these rising stars. Jenkins in particular could be an expensive signing due to his more consistent play this season, possibly preventing the Rams from signing both Hayes and Sims.

However, the Rams need to seriously consider signing at least one of these defensive ends. Both have been performing well for the team, and it’d be hard to see them both go. The team should try their best to sign Hayes. If they are unable to do so, then they should sign Sims for the sake of consistency in the position.

But as stated above, it’s not the end of the world if they both test the free agent waters and eventually walk. Hayes is thirty years old while Sims is twenty nine. The Rams could easily draft defensive linemen for the future. No, the Rams don’t need a stud defensive end in the first round. It would be tempting if Joey Bosa of Ohio State happens to be available when the Rams are on the clock, but the team has much bigger needs than defensive line depth.

Aug 30, 2014; College Park, MD, USA; Maryland Terrapins linebacker Yannick Ngakoue (7) rushes the quarterback as James Madison Dukes lineman Austin Lane (77) blocks at Byrd Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports

With adequate scouting, two mid to late round picks on defensive ends could potentially replace Hayes and Sims. For example, Yannick Ngakoue of Maryland and Shawn Oakman of Baylor are prospects bursting with potential that will likely be available after the first round. Using a higher draft pick on a defensive end is far from a necessity for this Rams team. If they miss out on top prospects, they can look into more underrated pass rushers declaring for the NFL draft. However, investing a second or third round draft pick (Let’s assume the team drafts a quarterback and/or receiver early) on a defensive end could ultimately end up being a good long-term decision for the Rams, considering starting defensive end Chris Long is already 30 years old.

Ethan Westbrooks and Matt Longacre have shown some promise as well, but if would be smart to add some competition to aid in their development.

So even though the next four weeks might be painful for Rams fans to watch, we should be on the lookout for William Hayes and Eugene Sims. The last games of the season could be telling for who the Rams decide to keep or walk in the 2016 offseason.

William Hayes and Eugene Sims will look to sack quarterback Matthew Stafford before he finds Calvin Johnson Jr. when the Detroit Lions (4-8) come over to downtown St. Louis to take on the Rams (4-8). Who do YOU think the Rams should keep? Leave a comment below!