Joe Barry judges LA Rams LB “open competition”

Early favorites

That means that the Rams will have an open competition at the linebacker position, but just by the nature of the NFL certain players have a bit of a lead. We know that the LA Rams had a starting role for Micah Kiser in 2019 before he went out for the season with a pectoral injury. We know that the Rams like the potential of Travin Howard and have said so in several interviews.

We can also confirm that undrafted free agent Troy Reeder had the most 2019 defensive snaps than any other linebacker on the roster today.  And finally, we know that the Rams specifically wanted to add undervalued linebacker Kenny Young in the deal that sent CB Marcus Peters to the Baltimore Ravens.  Of the group competing, the team has a quartet of players they are very familiar with and who are likely the first to assume a role to start with the team.

Rookies will push hard for playing time

Unlike other positions with established veterans, the linebacker roles for the team truly are undecided, and perhaps even the qualifications for the roles are fuzzy. After all, the Rams do want to improve run defense this year, so whoever lines up in the linebacker spot needs to stop a running back.  While the Rams have some idea about the players returning from a year ago, they are a blank slate with the four rookies.

They are Baylor LB Clay Johnston, Texas State LB Bryan London II, Tenessee LB Daniel Bituli, and South Dakota State LB Christian Rozeboom.  While they are four players with four different backgrounds, they have some similarities.  They all possess a solid football IQ, and can read the play developing in front of them.  All possess great energy, work ethic, and a nose for the football.  All contribute well in both pass and run defense.