Looking Forward and Back: 2016-17 Los Angeles Rams Defensive Tackles

Michael Brockers (6’5” 326 lbs) Age 25, Entering 5^th Year as a Pro

If you thought Aaron Donald didn’t get a lot of appreciation or media attention, take a look at Michael Brockers, who is entering the last year of his rookie contract. As a run-stuffing nose tackle, Brockers is not as flashy as the smaller, more athletic Donald.

However, the former LSU Tiger’s massive presence complements the former Pittsburgh Panther’s interior quickness extremely well. In the 2015-16 season, Brockers tallied 44 total tackles which included 8 tackles for loss and 3.0 sacks–above average for a nose tackle who was criticized for his pass rushing technique in college . In his four years as a St. Louis Ram, Brockers has actually compiled 14.5 sacks.

He’ll never be as dominant as Aaron Donald, but Brocker’s first round talent is evident in his ability to stop the interior run game and occasionally using his big body to overwhelm pass-blocking guards and centers. If he wants to be the star of a defense, he’ll have to sign with another team in next year’s offseason.

2016-17 Prediction for Michael Brockers

Even though Aaron Donald will one of the more recognized (and adorable—I mean feared) faces of Hollywood’s football franchise, don’t sleep on what Michael Brockers can do with this offseason in Oxnard.

An improved run defense with Alec Ogletree manning the middle and Mark Barron on the weak side might actually help Brockers steal pass rushing opportunities from both Robert Quinn and Aaron Donald. 45 total tackles with 9 tackles for loss and 4.0 sacks is a realistic statline for Brockers to reach.

If Michael Brockers does well under the shadow of Aaron Donald in the Rams’ first season in Los Angeles, he could be a highly-targeted unrestricted free agent for any team that needs his abilities in the middle of the defensive line.

Next: Nick Fairley?