Day one fall of defensive pass rushers helps LA Rams

Defensive pass rushers fell on day one of the 2020 NFL Draft. That will play right into the LA Rams hands as they prepare to choose their players on day two

The fall of pass rushers out of the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft is wonderful for the LA Rams. The talent leaking into the second round would help vastly in retooling our defense. Last year five pass rushers were gone in the first round, this year only two. This means that the Rams still have a shot at first-round talent players at the edge, specifically Yetur Gross-Matos and A.J. Epenesa.

DE Yetur Gross-Matos from Penn State was heavily connected to the Cowboys in the first round. His fall was unexpected due to this connection. When the Cowboys were on the clock they decided to take the best player on the board, wide receiver CeeDee Lamb, instead of helping their paper-thin defense.

When making my mock draft I thought he would be long done by now, but there is still a chance he could make it to the Rams. Things to like about Gross-Matos that he is vastly more athletic than Epenesa. He would fit well in an outside linebacker role in a Vic Fangio style defense under Brandon Staley.

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While he primarily played a hand in the dirt as a traditional end in college he has the athletic ability to stand up. As such, he would compliment Leonard Floyd, as he has officially passed his physical. Both players could position off the edge as offenses try to guess which one, if not both, is rushing the passer or dropping back into coverage.

OLB A.J. Epenesa is from Iowa and more of a traditional pass rusher compared to Gross-Matos. He would be more suited if the Rams wanted more of a pure pass rusher. While Staley’s defense is primarily a 3-4 style of defense, it’s not hard seeing him making a few changes to it if talent presents itself. Epenesa would fit into the Rover linebacker role.

While called a linebacker, the Rover doesn’t primarily drop back into pass coverage. It would play into Espensa’s strong suit as they play more like a traditional defensive end. The Sam linebacker role would then be Leonard Floyd. It suits Floyd as his coverage skills tend to be better than his pass rush.

If both players miraculously are available the Rams certainly have a choice to make. Depending on what Staley wants they could go versatility or straight pass rush. The fact both prospects are available after the first round is exciting. If Les Snead feels as if both will be gone by the time Rams are on the clock don’t be surprised if he decides to move up to grab one.