LA Rams News: 2020 or bust for 5 defenders

ILB Young

Inside linebacker Kenny Young can play with intensity and vigor for the right defensive scheme. The only problem is, can he do so for the Rams? While he was truly a midseason acquisition for the team in 2019, he never saw a single defensive snap. Previously, he saw plenty of action for the Baltimore Ravens. The Ravens loved him so much that they gave him three starts in both 2018 and 2019. Not based on seniority, but because he performed well on the field.

Linebacker Kenny Young will forever be tagged as “that guy we got in the Marcus Peters trade with the Baltimore Ravens”. While that is true, there is a good reason why the Rams insisted on adding Young to the exchange. He showed flashes of starting potential with the Ravens but showed nothing but special teams play with the Rams.

Older Young

That could all change this year. Kenny Young is one of the few interior linebackers on the roster right now with starting experience. Beyond that, if there was ever a time Young needed to step up, that time is now. After all, the Rams roster is loaded with raw talent at the linebacker position. But raw is not refined, and the defensive scheme in 2020 is all about refinement.

While Young must earn playing time for the Rams this season, the spotlight is his to lose. That’s not a compliment. Other players on the Rams roster can survive not winning a starting role on the team this season. In all likelihood, many additions to the team will survive an assignment to the practice squad this year. But Young? His time is now or never. Without a breakout season, the team will likely conclude this is a bad fit and will move on. Kenny Young is playing for his Rams’ career this season. Hopefully, he understands that urgency and finds a way to earn the starting role.