3 reasons LA Rams target OLB Kyler Fackrell in NFL Free Agency

III – He is the perfect fit for LA Rams’ edge

The Rams need production on defense. Fackrell produces. That’s not just in sacks. That’s not just in stopping runs. He is a solid pass defender as well. In the past two seasons, he was targeted 20 times and gave up just 12 pass completions for a completion rate of just 60 percent, and surrendered just 60 yards.  That’s pretty solid folks.

Keep in mind that Fackrell is a pass-rushing outside linebacker. He has the ability to match the pass-rushing skills of Rams OLB Dante Fowler Jr. but improves the pass coverage at the position. That adds versatility to the defense, which hits the bullseye.

He is a young veteran player who doesn’t hit the NFL Free Agency market with a lot of wear and tear. In spite of his huge upside, and relatively modest contract price in NFL Free Agency, do not look for the Packers to chase Frackrell with fistfuls of dollars.  That gives the Rams the advantage by signing him and perhaps avoiding the bidding wars of chasing their own OLB Dante Fowler Jr. altogether.

As we pointed out at the beginning of this article, how much of Fowler’s production was of his own making, and how much of it was simply the benefit of playing on the same team and Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald?  After all, Fowler’s breakout season truly occurred when he donned a Rams jersey.  Perhaps the Rams should test the effect of playing alongside All-Pro Donald, and sign a young edge rusher this year. After all, if players do well because they play on the Rams defense, the Rams would be the wiser to avoid paying the premium in free agency, and instead, look for upgrades to raise the bar even higher.