Looking Forward and Back: 2016-17 Los Angeles Rams Defensive Tackles
By Matt Colinco
Last week, we went over the solid running back group of the Los Angeles Rams that probably won’t see much change during the offseason. This week, we’re going to take a look at another position of strength for the team’s roster: the defensive tackles.
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The defensive tackles started the season off strong with an impressive game-winning 4th down stop in overtime against the Seattle Seahawks and remained dominant throughout the rest. Between three defensive tackles who played in the regular season, the rotation combined for 142 total tackles and 14.5 sacks in 2015-16 alone.
This is a group obviously led by Pro Bowler and Defensive Player of the Year Candidate Aaron Donald, but its depth is unappreciated by several NFL fans. Michael Brockers and Nick Fairley were also first-round picks in their respective drafts, and offer a lot of physicality to the Rams’ defensive line. Whereas Brockers is a run-stuffing nose tackle, Nick Fairley provided pressure on opposing quarterbacks as a rotational defensive tackle.
However, Brockers is entering the last year of his rookie contract and Fairley may not re-sign with the team. This could shake up the look of the defensive tackle position during the 2016-17 regular season and the franchise’s long-term future.
So with that, let’s take a look at the defensive tackles of the Los Angeles Rams.
Next: Aaron Donald