LA Rams news: Defensive line will determine 2020 success

Weber state wunderkind

Weber State defensive end Jonah Williams was featured in our six UDFA signings spotlight article recently. After all, he is a 6-foot-5, 280-pound rookie who combines incredible speed (a 4.65-second 40-yard dash time) with strength (30 reps on the 225-pound bench press). In short, he could be a huge addition to the LA Rams special teams at a minimum.

Williams selected Weber State purely on the scholarship offered. Larger football programs like Utah State or Boise State balked at offering Williams a football scholarship upon learning of his commitment to serve on a two-year mission. Weber State did so, and the rest is history.

Despite his size, strength, and speed, William has an excellent team-play perspective seldom-seen in NFL rookies.

"“You get gassed playing selfishly,” he said. “Doing things for each other is how you establish a dominant defense. It’s always me trying to get pressure so the defensive backs get interceptions, and them holding down coverages so we can get sacks. We just play for each other.”-as reported by Colton Clark of the Lewiston Tribune"

Williams, although from a small football program, plays large and tall on defense. He is incredibly athletic for a big man, and his pro-day stats would have placed him among the best at the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine. That type of elite athleticism is exactly what the Rams seek to refurbish their special teams play in 2020. Combined with his strong athleticism is his ability to play a versatile role on defense. he can play defensive lineman, edge rusher, or even surprise and drop back into pass coverage. So he is an ideal rookie to add to the roster for both Special Teams Coordinator John Bonamego and Defensive Coordinator Brandon Staley.

The Rams may have only added numbers to the defensive line in 2020, but the quality of the undrafted free agents is such that they have a chance of making enough of an impression to earn playing time on special teams or to develop on the team’s practice squad.