Did LB coach Barry let it slip that the LA Rams will run a 3-3-5 D?

The first clue for the LA Rams base defensive package will be the 3-3-5  may have slipped from assistant HC/LB coach Joe Barry in a recent interview

The LA Rams are one of the NFL teams whose defense is categorized as a base 3-4. While that may give the impression that the Rams will be playing four linebackers, that is likely not the case. We covered the background factors leading up to the team’s decision not to emphasize the linebacker position in the 2020 NFL Draft.  The Rams may go to the 3-4-4 defense, but the most likely base configuration seems to be the Rams will go with a 3-3-5.

In an August 14 episode of Rams revealed interview of assistant head coach/linebacker coach Joe Barry with therams.com’s J.B. Long, they discussed not two, but one inside linebacker.

The interview is filled with good information about a position that we are all curious about. The linebacker position is a critical spot for the 2020 Rams defense.

Rams’ depth chart (for now)

The first name mentioned for the likely starting middle linebacker for the season was veteran Micah Kiser, who was the projected starting linebacker from 2019 before falling to injury. The next player up in the Rams depth chart was Troy Reeder.  Barry indicated that both players are competing for the starting role, but Kiser is getting snaps with the starting defensive group so far.

Kiser, and only Kiser, is mentioned as the player getting snaps with the starters. That may not be earthshattering news, as the Rams have migrated more and more towards the use of nickel and dime packages on defense. Of course, Barry caveats it by stating that this is all part of the acclimation phase. Barry also emphasized that he feels that every player is a “starter in waiting”.

While Long and Barry discussed the Rams linebacking roster as sufficient for the season, it is clear that Barry senses that he has his work cut out for him this year in developing so many young and inexperienced players simultaneously.

Rookie Clay Johnston redshirted?

When the conversation turned towards drafted rookie Clay Johnston, the tone of the discussion was both optimistic and reserved. Barry revealed that he didn’t know that Clay Johnston had a severe knee injury.  That injury has remained a factor with Johnston, as he would not have been an active participant in any organized team activities.

Barry loved Johnston’s 2019 season of six games, so much that he stated he would have rated Johnston much higher than the seventh round (where the Rams selected him). Barry indicated that Johnston is still dealing with limits due to injury. The virtual off-season has helped keep him on pace with his teammates. Barry hopes that he continues to improve health, strength, and conditioning-wise. Barry then flipped to the increased number of practice squad spots, indicating that Johnston will likely be “red-shirted” this season and will compete next year.

Clues continue to trickle in, and we’ll share them as they arrive. For now, there is some news brewing about a former LA Rams player. So stay tuned!