Do the Los Angeles Rams have the best defensive line?

William Hayes DE

With the departure of veteran Chris Long, somebody has to fill the role and all eyes are on Defensive End William Hayes. Number 95 did spend time playing from both side of the line as both Long and Quinn were hurt last year. Hayes would finish last year off with 5.5 sacks and 2 forced fumbles. With the opposing offensive line focusing on Rams star Aaron Donald, it’s important Hayes can become the starter and attack from the side. It will be interesting to see if Hayes can fill the role of Long, as he enters into his 9th year. The veteran should know a thing or too, on how to help the defensive line every play. Expect Hayes to come into the spotlight and prove in his final years that he still can play some good football. Hayes was also on the PFF top 101 players of 2015.

Quinton Coples DE

The Los Angeles Rams wanted to increase their defensive end depth, and may have surprised many with the signing of Quinton Coples from the New York Jets. The past two seasons, Coples has dealt with injury, but in his first 3 seasons in the NFL, he recorded over 15 sacks in a healthy start. Coples is a gamble as, the pressure will be on the Rams if he will ever be the player he was 2-3 seasons before. Coples is a former first rounder, who can have the upside to bring a lot of depth in an already dangerous team.

Matt Longacre DE

Longacre participated for the most part on the practice squad, but was brought up during injuries last year. He will be competing for a backup spot along with Coples, as Longacre may not have the upper hand. Longacre will be coming back for his 2nd season with the Rams as he was not drafted from Northwest Missouri State. This is one of Jeff Fisher’s under the radar player that will only play 5-20 snaps or possible be cut due to the signings of Coples and others. Hopefully Longacre does get a shot to at least prove himself.

Next: Defensive Tackle