Explaining why LA Rams defense devalued linebacker position

Rams drafted DB over LB

In the 2020 NFL Draft, the LA Rams had a limited number of draft picks available. That shortfall of picks compared to the team’s shopping list meant that the team found it necessary to prioritize needs.  The team clearly made defensive backs a priority, as the team selected hybrid defensive back, Terrell Burgess, at pick 104, and hybrid defensive back Jordan Fuller at pick 199. Both DBs were chosen before the Rams drafted linebacker Clay Johnston at pick 234. Who did the Rams leave on the board when they chose Burgess?

Well, the Rams left LB Akeem Davis=Gaither, Mykal Walker, Troy Dye, and Shaquille Quarterman on the board when they opted for Burgess. This is not to second guess the Rams choice, nor to judge. This exercise is simply to prove that the Rams’ interest in the interior linebacker position may be waning, as is the interest of many NFL teams in the role right now. The trend for NFL teams to run with six defensive backs is increasing rapidly in the NFL. So what does that mean for the LA Rams defense in 2020?

Popular Personnel packages

The LA Rams’ most popular personnel packages, stating with a dime package, will likely take the shape of the defensive line manned by DE Aaron Donald, NT A’Shawn Robinson, and DE Michael Brockers. The Rams linebackers will likely be OLB Leonard Floyd and OLB Samsun Ebukam. And
The Rams defensive backs will include Jalen Ramsey, Troy Long, Darious Williams, Terrell Burgess, John Johnson III, and Taylor Rapp.   To convert this package to a nickel-package, swap out Terrell Burgess and swap in Micah Kiser.  To convert the nickel package to the base, swap out Darious Williams and slide in Troy Reeder.

Of course, with rotations and a more focused depth chart, the names of some players may be interchangeable. The fact is that the Rams did not draft a linebacker higher in the draft because the team is deemphasizing the role of the linebacker in the 2020 defensive packages.  The Rams got bigger and stronger on the defensive line and added defensive backs who can play both cornerback and safety.  Why didn’t the Rams draft a linebacker with the 104th pick of the 2020 NFL Draft?  By choosing Terrell Burgess, they essentially did.