LA Rams: 3 Defensive players playing for their big payday in 2021

Larry Brake

(Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images)

There are three defensive players looking to sign a big contract from the LA Rams in 2021

The LA Rams draft class of 2017 will see their rookie contracts end after the 2020 season. There is a possibility that some could get extensions. However, there could be some set free to enter the free-agent market.

On offense, WR Cooper Kupp must have an outstanding season to warrant a new deal. Wide receivers are plentiful in supply. Kupp will need to become the number one target in the aerial attack.

Defensive players are in high demand. LA plays in the tough NFC West division against very good opposing quarterbacks. The Rams will have to keep their defense performing at a high level for any chance of winning the division. All-Pro defensive tackle Aaron Donald is signed through the 2024 season. Safety Taylor Rapp becomes a free agent in 2023. Let’s hope that OLB Dante Fowler Jr. gets inked to a new deal in March.

You can expect for the class of 2017 to play towards that next deal. They must justify their demand for top market dollars in contract talks. The problem for the Rams will be, which player gets paid and which one walks away.

The salary cap plays a huge role in that determination. Honestly, there are three defensive guys that must play for their next big deal. Here’s a look at the first one.

Samson Ebukam will have wreck havoc on defense

OLB Samson Ebukam is the back up to Dante Fowler on the current unofficial depth chart. He was drafted in the fourth round of the 2017 NFL Draft. Ebukam has started 21 games for the Rams.

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Since his rookie season, he has made 118 total tackles with 13 of them for lost yardage. Ebukam has collected 9.5 sacks. He has one intercepted pass for a touchdown. Dante Fowler Jr.’s free agency situation will ultimately determine his standing with the Rams organization.

Right now, it’s a logical conclusion that OLB Fowler signs elsewhere. Ebukam will have a chance to step into that starting job. To do so, his play will be the deciding factor. Right now, he must elevate his game to earn the starting role.

In 2019, Fowler had 11.5 sacks and added 58 total tackles. There will be a huge void to fill if Fowler leaves the Rams. Ebukam must prove that he can generate pressure on the quarterback, while not compromising run defense, and he must do so throughout the season on a weekly basis. There is a fine line between good talent and average talent. Ebukam will have to show LA that he is a good enough talent to warrant keeping him on the payroll.

The Rams have had winning records with the class of 2017. They have won 33 games and lost 15 games with one Super Bowl appearance. This class was a very strong draft class for LA.

Here is the next defensive player who needs to perform well in 2020.

Tanzel Smart will need to become the immovable force

DL Tanzel Smart is a big heavy defensive tackle. Smart played college football at Tulane University and was a sixth-round draft selection in 2017.

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His best season, as a pro, was his rookie season. He made 14 total tackles while appearing in all 16 regular-season games. He has not come close to matching those numbers in the past two seasons.

Not only he is playing for his next contract but he might be playing for his roster spot. It is tough to see the field when you play behind a great like Donald. You have to stand out from the crowd to make an impression.

Smart could possibly make waves at nose tackle. At 6-foot-1 and 295 pounds, he is the equivalent of an Aaron Donald “mini-me”. Stacked and powerful, he can fit the role of the immovable force in the center of the Rams defensive line. Quickness off the line of scrimmage is the key to winning the battle inside the trenches.

Smart signed a 4-year rookie contract worth $2,564,783. According to spotrac.com, he is scheduled to make $776,198 in 2020. So far, he is overpaid for his statistical performance.

Smart will have to dramatically elevate his game. A position move inside might fit him best. This upcoming season will determine his next payday.

Here is the high profiled corner looking for a big pay raise.

Jalen Ramsey will demand a top-dollar contract

Cornerback Jalen Ramsey is a member of the draft class of 2016. He spent the majority of his time in Jacksonville. Ramsey played at an elite level in the black and teal uniform.

Just like another Florida State alumnus, Ramsey played the role of the shutdown corner. He played that role very well. The three-time pro bowler feels it’s time to get paid.

In 2020, he will be in the fifth-year option of his rookie contract. He becomes a free agent in 2021. Will the Rams be able to meet his salary demands?

Also, will 2020 be a better season for Ramsey? He played in twelve games last season and nine were for LA. Statistically, his production was far below his previous season totals.

Don’t forget that LA gave up two number one draft picks and a fourth-rounder for Ramsey. He had better play well to justify giving up that much capital for his cover skills. Pro Football Focus ranked Nickell Robey-Coleman (19th) and Troy Hill (20th) over Ramsey (not ranked) in their top 25 cornerback rankings through week 17 in January.

Cornerback is one of the cornerstone positions of professional football. Expect LA to have a top corner in the lineup for 2020 and beyond. Whether it’s Ramsey or not, is yet to be determined. Let’s see how it all plays out.

Larry Brake

I am a proud graduate of Duncan, OK high school and the University of Oklahoma. My four F's are: Faith, Family, Friends and Football-plus, enjoying life in Brunswick, Georgia.