LA Rams News: Staley’s Defense betting on versatility for success

Draft the NFL version of “Charlie Hustle”

The LA Rams entered the 2020 NFL Draft facing the risk of cornerback Jalen Ramsey and safety John Johnson signing major contracts to play defense with another team in 2021. While the first knee-jerk reaction is to simply aim at the most competent cornerback and safety in the 2020 NFL Draft, the Rams selected a far more strategic approach and opted to draft the best hybrid players available on the draft board.

The first stop is the Rams selection of Baylor linebacker Clay Johnston, a player whose energy level already scored a positive impression with head coach Sean McVay. He was drafted by the Rams in round seven but plays with the intensity seldom seen in a rookie. He fell on many draft boards due to concerns about his season-ending knee injury in 2019.

But before his 2019 playing days ended, he demonstrated complete command of the interior linebacking role. He dropped back quickly into pass coverage but maintained vigilance on the quarterback well enough to stop scramble before or near the line of scrimmage. He diagnosed runs effectively, shedding blockers on his way to tackle the running back. And his speed allowed him to follow the quarterback’s eyes in time to break up the potential pass play. While a linebacker by design, he has enough energy to fit a linebacker/safety role in passing downs.