3 ways to pave LA Rams road back to the NFL Super Bowl

Step II- Linebackers must play very well, one pro bowler from the group

The LA Rams have an incredible defensive line and an incredible defensive secondary. As far as the team’s linebackers? It’s anyone’s guess, which makes virtually everyone skeptical of their production this year. But the Rams are just as likely to be successful with their 2020 linebacker roster as to fail. Let’s explore some reasons why?

The parallel career tracks of Dante Fowler Jr. and Leonard Floyd are very similar with one exception. Fowler has left the Rams, while Floyd is just arriving. In both cases, they were very good defenders who are respected by their coaches and teammates prior to arriving at the Rams. In both cases, their production was good, but not at the level many expected by their talents.  In both cases, they are players who joined the Rams as underachievers.

LB may prove to be better than expected

On a similar matter, ILB Troy Reeder’s career path is remarkably similar to that of Cory Littleton.  But are undrafted additions to the linebacking corps, both are a nice size at 6-foot-3, and both found a way to get starts for the Rams defense.  You see, both players have the benefit of playing behind Aaron Donald.

Of course, there are other stars-in-waiting. Rookie OLB Terrell Lewis could be a good one, as can veteran OLB Samson Ebukam and  OLB Ogbonnia Okoronkwo. At ILB, the Rams have last year’s projected starter Micah Kiser, mid-season addition Kenny Young, and rookie LB Clay Johnston who could surprise many. The team doesn’t need four superstars. Just a solid group of linebackers who can make plays. And if the team has that one player who excels this year? So much the better.