LA Rams News: Defensive linemen competition heated

Competition for DL starts with special teams

The key to the defense’s success must be stopping the run in 2020. To do that, the team must be better than the 2019 version. That means that the Rams’ defensive line must be better, which opens the door for competition. While the team did not address the position in the draft, the addition of five players signed immediately after the 2020 NFL Draft suggests that the team is open to adding new faces to the roster this season.

Most of those additions need to excel on special teams. That is the primary route for rookies to stick on the team’s roster, and the LA Rams are most certainly interested in improving special teams play in 2020. Defensive linemen have a solid shot at making a special teams impact because they have the size to serve as temporary blockers while excelling at tackling in coverage. Covering punts and kickoffs can prove to be a distinct advantage in determining who makes final cuts for the team.

How many defensive linemen are the right number?

If the LA Rams were looking into a two or three defensive linemen front on plays, then six is a good number to carry into the 2020 season. But that’s a big IF, as the team will likely have some four, five, or even six defensive linemen packages in short-yardage and goal-line situations. Those defensive stands are best made by flooding the field with defensive linemen, as many as five or six, and forcing offenses to go big.

The LA Rams have six players who could start now. But if they add a new face, do they carry an extra defensive lineman, or do the Rams bump a veteran to the waiver wire? Perhaps they add two new faces, will that bump a returning veteran?  Does improving the defense mean counting on improvements from returning players or swapping out new players with higher ceilings? By the time the LA Rams must make the roster cuts, they’ll need to have the answers to those questions. Until then, the competition will be fierce.  What emerges from this competition will hopefully be a much more prepared defensive front.