3 Free Agent targets Rams must consider to fix run defense

The LA Rams must repair their run defense for 2020. Here are 3 Free Agent Targets Rams must consider in free agency

The LA Rams have key areas to fix.  But the team is not in a shambles by any means.  The Rams have a solid stable of wide receivers, whether or not the team trades underproducing wide receiver Brandin Cooks.  They also have an adequate, if not exemplary, running game, whether or not the team trades underproducing running back Todd Gurley.

On the offense, the Rams greatest need is to bolster the ranks of an underpaid offensive line. Curiously enough, that can be resolved with one or two key additions via free agency, as the Rams have a remarkable set of young offensive linemen who showed solid promise in 2019.

Similarly, the Rams have assembled a solid defensive backfield for the 2020 season. The team has two talented young safeties in Taylor Rapp and John Johnson, a savvy veteran safety in Eric Weddle,  a solid set of cornerbacks led by star Jalen Ramsey, but also including solid defensive backs Troy Hill, Nickell Robey-Coleman, and David Long Jr, while also boasting a defensive front led by a five-time All-Pro defensive tackle in Aaron Donald.

So what’s left to fix? Well for starters, the LA Rams need to invest in offensive linemen. But in keeping with the theme from following the 49ers’ path to the Super Bowl, the Rams are obligated to beef up on their run defense as well. Need of course directs an NFL team into the free agency market. So of course, that is where we send the Rams shopping.  Here are three projected free agents who would be great for the Rams front to consider signing for the 2020 season.

DL Timmy Jernigan

The Philadelphia Eagles loved the play of defensive lineman Tim Jernigan. Despite his injury history, the defense is significantly more effective when he is among the rotation for defensive linemen. A modestly priced defensive lineman in 2019, his $1,625,000 salary would be ideal for the LA Rams current salary cap constraints.

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He is the type of player whose box stats do not reflect his impact in the least.  Over his three year history with the Philadelphia Eagles, he played in 28 of the possible 48 games.  During that time, he  made 41 tackles, 4.5 sacks, and 10 stuffs.  While that seems rather pedestrian for a defensive lineman, it does not do justice to what he really meant to the team’s defense.

Jernigan’s presence on the defensive line cast a long shadow for linebackers and safeties to play behind. As a result, just having him on the field elevated the play of his teammates noticeably.  And when the team was on life support with a 5-7 record, Jernigan elevated his play to stymie opposing offenses.  In fact, he was cited as bringing a snarl back to the Eagles defense.  That type of impact would be a huge boost to the Rams defense, particularly in facing the vastly improved and physical play of NFC West rivals San Francisco 49ers, Seattle Seahawks, and Arizona Cardinals.

DE Michael Brockers

While the Rams defense needs to improve against the run, that is not to say that the team did not boast solid run defenders in 2019.  Right now, the LA Rams must plan to restructure player contracts to afford needed free agents this year.   Once that is done, the team should immediately begin to work on re-signing defensive lineman Michael Brockers to a long term deal.

Brockers is a stalwart run defender, and as such should be one of the free agents the team emphasizes to return to the roster for 2020. Bringing him back should be vital enough to this defense that it should not exclude the team adding other defenders around him.  Our initial projection of Brockers market value runs approximately $12 million per year. While that may be a significant chunk of change, a long term deal to a defensive end who is in his prime would be a wise move for the Rams.

Retaining him will also allow the team to focus on adding new upgrades, and not focus upon replacing the team’s 2019 production.

DE Ndamukong Suh

It makes perfect sense for the Rams to have long discussions over bringing back defensive lineman Ndamukong Suh. When he line up next to DT Aaron Donald, the pair resonated so well with one another. The only fatal flaw in any plans to re-sign Suh back to the LA Rams orbited around Suh’s asking price in the 2019 free agency market.

He eventually signed a one-year deal with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for $9.25 million.  That is significantly less than the $14 million one-year deal he signed with the LA Rams just one year earlier.  If his current earnings trend continues, His 2020 one-year salary should come in on or about $6 million.  That should be within the LA Rams reach.

Suh may not be a huge force in his own right, but there is no doubt that his presence on the defensive line amplifies the carnage of DT Aaron Donald.  Playing together in 2018, the pair combined for 25 sacks, 118 tackles, 35 tackles for a loss, four forced fumbles and four fumble recoveries.

Had the Rams significant cap space to use, this trio would be a great set of players to bring in and simply add to the defensive line rotation.  But until the team frees up cap space, it’s a waiting game.  Still, there’s plenty of reason to take heart.  A few key additions to the team can make all the difference.