Analyzing departures for Los Angeles Rams on defense from 2017 NFL offseason

It’s time to take a look at departures from the Los Angeles Rams’ defense during the 2017 offseason.

A few days ago we looked at the offensive portion of the 25 percent roster turnover on the Los Angeles Rams. With training camp starting this week, it’s time to take a look at who is gone on the defensive side of the football.

William Hayes

Ross Tucker talks about players having lifelines. Jeff Fisher was the lifeline for William Hayes (traded for a stapler and a coffee machine Miami Dolphins), a fourth-round pick for the Tennessee Titans in 2008. He was a solid end for depth and then as a starter after Chris Long was cut. Two things happened that made it likely that Hayes would be moved: Fisher was fired and Los Angeles switched to Wade Phillips‘ 3-4 defense. It made sense for the Rams to move on, and Hayes’ best football is likely in his rear-view mirror.

Related Story: Los Angeles Rams projected to win four games by USA Today

Eugene Sims

Eugene Sims (cut by Los Angeles, currently a free agent) was a sixth-round pick in 2010, and another depth guy from the Fisher/Greg Williams era who saw a fair amount of playing time. But again, the switch in defensive scheme along with a new coaching staff made it easy to move on from Sims. Connor Barwin is the likely 3-4 replacement for both Hayes and Simms.

Live Feed

Betsided

TJ McDonald

TJ McDonald (free agent, signed with Miami Dolphins), who is suspended for the first eight games of 2017, was a solid safety in the Fisher/Williams system. However, with a scheme change along with the suspension, it made sense for McDonald to test the market. I thought he would end up with Williams as a member of the Cleveland Browns, but he signed with Miami instead. The Rams drafted safety John Johnson and moved cornerback Lemarcus Joyner to safety, who along with Cody Davis look to compete for playing time alongside Mo Alexander.

Cam Thomas

Cam Thomas (free agent, signed with Kansas City Chiefs) previously provided depth at defensive tackle before joining the Chiefs. More of the turnover from the changes to the coaching staff, so there’s not much more to say about this.

In the end, there are fewer turnovers on defense than offense.  The true test will come as camp battles ensue and players compete to make the final 53-man roster, beginning later this week.