LA Rams Top 5 positional rankings: Defense edition

Linebacker

1.- Isaiah Simmons (Clemson): For me, the best player in the draft, in a loaded one. Simmons has shown versatility on the field lining up almost everywhere on the defensive side (literally). I project him to be an ILB that can command the defense, but it would be a shame to see all his in-game knowledge and athleticism go to waste putting him in just one slot. Move him all along the defense, create mismatches. He ticks all the boxes in terms of what everyone loves in a perennial all-pro player: Athletic, fast, quick desition maker, tackling machine, ball hawker; you name it. He is the real deal.

2.- Patrick Queen (LSU): Many project Queen on the outside, but he is a true defensive commander that should play on the inside. Insane tape pops up immediately his rare sideline to sideline speed and open-field tackling abilities. His coverage skills are good and can improve, but they can do while he gets the feel and different speed of the NFL.

3.- Kenneth Murray (Oklahoma): Rangy and super-athletic linebacker with a body built like a ripper. Murray displays the raw athletic ability that you can perfect. Fast and twitchy with good speed that could benefit from being rotational at first, but can develop into an all-around player. In-play recognition and decision making will get better as he goes.

4.- Zack Baun (Wisconsin): Baun is one of the most intriguing prospects in this list. He can (and likely will) line up on the outside, but while his pass-rushing moves are still raw, he can drop into coverage like an ace. Excellent run-stopping supporter as well, and while his size is not prototypical, he will give the opposing tight ends a hard time. Will be better fitted as a 4-3 outside linebacker.

5.- Willie Gay Jr. (Mississipi State): We started with a hybrid on this list, why don’t end up with one? Gay is another freak, game-knowing prospect that will be better as a mismatch making player. He is a ball-hawker and his speed lets him track down open field runners. His major downside could be an off the field situation he sustained that made him lose 8 games, and a later altercation with his team’s quarterback. If he keeps his head cleared and focuses on his game, he can be an impact starter.