LA Rams defensive end Morgan Fox is only Division 2 player on roster

LA Rams defensive end Morgan Fox is only Division 2 player on the roster

When the LA Rams re-signed free agent defensive end, Morgan Fox, to the team, the move restored his experience and pass rush to a defense that is in need of play-makers to line up next to All-Pro defensive lineman Aaron Donald. A lesser-known fact is that when the team re-signed him, they returned the only Division 2 player to the Rams’ roster.

A recent article by NFLDraftDiamonds.com Damond Talbot indicated that just 91 players from Division 2 schools are currently on an NFL team’s roster.  Of the 91 players, only LA Rams defensive end Morgan Fox made the list, as he graduated from Colorado State-Pueblo, just one of three players from that academic institution to advance onto NFL rosters to do so.

Division 2, but 1st class

Fox signed on with the LA Rams after the 2016 NFL Draft, making him one more undrafted free agent player to find ample opportunity with the team. Unfortunately, it has not all been easy going for the promising defensive end. He spent a significant part of the 2016 season on the practice squad, being called up twice before being cut, clearing waivers, and re-signing back to the practice squad. He fell into the defensive rotation in 2017, when he recorded 2.5 sacks and 19 tackles. But injury pushed him to the injured reserve.

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He returned in 2019 to both special teams and the defensive rotation once more, where he put up two sacks and 18 tackles, three for a loss. That nearly was his last season with the Rams. His contract expired, and the Rams failed to tender a qualifying offer to retain his contract rights. In hindsight, it was a calculated risk, as the move allowed the team to bring back Fox at a more affordable price.

More Morgan

Morgan Fox will be an integral contributor to the team in 2020.  Not only does he take on quality snaps for the team, but he continues to get closer to a breakout year. Each year he gets closer to the quarterback, and coming off a healthy 2019 will place him all-that-much closer to a huge 2020 season. Right now, he ranks as the fourth-ranked returning pass rusher on the team with two quarterback sacks in 2019.

The Rams are looking for defensive leaders moving into 2020. With the hiring of new defensive coordinator Brandon Staley, the Rams have somewhat hit the reset button.  In short, the team’s defense will promote anyone who “gets hot” this year. Historically, the Rams have an excellent track record of finding those types of breakout players from the ranks of undrafted players. Will Morgan Fox be the next one?  I would not recommend betting against him.