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

By Matt Colinco

Sep 13, 2015; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Rams defensive tackle Michael Brockers (90) celebrates with defensive tackle Aaron Donald (99) after defeating the Seattle Seahawks 34-31 in overtime at the Edward Jones Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 13, 2015; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Rams defensive tackle Michael Brockers (90) celebrates with defensive tackle Aaron Donald (99) after defeating the Seattle Seahawks 34-31 in overtime at the Edward Jones Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 8, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; St. Louis Rams defensive tackle Nick Fairley (98) looks on prior to the game against the Minnesota Vikings at TCF Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 8, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; St. Louis Rams defensive tackle Nick Fairley (98) looks on prior to the game against the Minnesota Vikings at TCF Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports /

Nick Fairley (6’4” 308 lbs) Age: 28, Entering 6th Season as a Pro

Currently at the time of writing this, Nick Fairley has yet to be signed to another team. However, ESPN Rams Reporter Nick Wagoner does not expect the team to re-sign him. The team has many other priorities on their re-signing list (especially the secondary), so Fairley is probably good as gone after spending one season with the St. Louis Rams for $5 million.

Even though Fairley was brought in for depth at the defensive tackle as a St. Louis Ram, his pass-rushing talent would indicate stardom. Unfortunately, Fairley never cracked the starting lineup due to the weekly efficiency of the Donald/Brockers combo. In 15 games played, the big man out of Auburn only recorded 29 tackles including 1 tackle for loss and 0.5 sacks. As the third defensive tackle in a 4-3 scheme, Fairley was destined for a lack of production. He might fare better as the second defensive tackle of the team.

This doesn’t mean that Fairley’s signing was a complete failure. Nick Fairley was able to contribute to the rotation by keeping the two starters fresh and generating pressure on the quarterback with 6 quarterback “hurries” despite limited playing time.

2016-17 Prediction for Nick Fairley

Nick Fairley won’t be with the Los Angeles Rams next year—it’s inevitable. However, there are teams like the Dallas Cowboys or the Cleveland Browns could use some help in the middle. In the end, it will be better for both sides if Nick Fairley signs with another team. The Rams won’t have to worry about a new contract, and Nick Fairley can be more productive next year with Aaron Donald and Michael Brockers out of the picture.

Since Fairley has yet to sign with another team, I cannot predict his stats for next year. If he happens to stay with the Rams, however, expect his stats to slightly improve due to another year coached by Greg Williams and Mike Waufle.

Fairley should be able to produce at least 30 tackles with 3 tackles for loss and 2.0 sacks if the Rams re-sign him.

Next: Louis Trinca-Pasat

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