7 LA Rams players who must step up this season

Too soon to cry Fowl…er?

Every defense needs a solid pass rush. And so it is that the Rams are hoping to re-sign OLB Dante Fowler Jr.  Simultaneously, 31 other NFL teams are looking to add pass rushing talent from the free agency market. The Rams edge rusher is the number one item on many NFL teams’ free agent shopping list. While the Rams would feel the sting of Fowler’s departure, the team has some younger players on the roster who are preparing for a larger role on the defense.

OLB Samson Ebukam

Outside linebacker Samson Ebukam has been a mixed bag for the Rams so far. He was selected in round four of the 2017 NFL Draft from Eastern Washington, alongside teammate Wide Receiver Cooper Kupp. The Rams had planned to develop him into a starting edge rusher rather quickly. Unfortunately, his development has taken longer than many had expected.

Now in his fourth season, Ebukam is coming off a season where he recorded 487 tackles, 4.5 sacks, one forced fumble and two fumble recoveries. He saw action on 565 defensive snaps, or 51 percent of the time. While he played in all 16 games, he recorded just five starts in 2019.

Of course, he will compete with outside linebackers Ogbonnia Okoronkwo and Justin Lawler. But Ebukam has a host of experience in the postition, and will be difficult to knock out of his perch. While Ebukam has fought hard to remain on the 53-man roster, he now must earn a starting role.  Despite disappointing development so far, Ebukam  needs to step up and seize the opportunity this year. While he has yet to wow in the NFL, he is in the best position to do so this year.