LA Rams news: Defensive line will determine 2020 success

Defensive linemen

UT San Antonio defensive end Eric Banks is a 6-foot-5 270-pound defensive end who has ties with LA Rams defensive line coach Eric Henderson, who coached Banks in 2016. In 2019, Banks registered 23 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, and had two sacks. While he will likely have an uphill battle for playing time, he could carve out a niche on special teams, as well as secure a spot to develop on the Rams’ practice squad this year.

Minnesota defensive lineman Sam Renner may have a better shot of making the team. He is 6-foot-4 and 275-pounds, suitable size and weight which allows him the versatility to slide between defensive tackle and defensive end.  While he played just two seasons of football due to injury, he had a solid senior season.  Not only did he record 43 tackles and five sacks, but he also defended four passes. That was good enough to get noticed by Pro Football Focus

Again, he has an uphill battle to make the roster. But if he can shine on special teams, look for the Rams to include him either on the 55-man roster or on the practice team.