6 hot takeaways for LA Rams from HBO Hard Knocks: LA -episode 4

Takeaway IV – Rams LBs need help – that’s why they brought in two more.

When the Rams signed Derrick Moncrief and re-signed Daniel Bituli, there was not much hope that their late arrival would move the linebacker needle much.  The decision to add two linebackers to help out the team in the last week of practice had to be a bit more strategic, didn’t it?

The curious thing is that both Bituli and Moncrief were cut in the Rams’ first wave of waivers. Was it all for naught? That is a very profound question and one we really won’t know the answer to for some time, if ever. After all, the Rams seem to be set right now at inside linebacker. They appear to be going with Micah Kiser, Kenny Young, Troy Reeder, and Christian Rozeboom.  Will that be enough this season? Well, the Rams do pull a linebacker out for nickel sub-packages and run the nickel frequently.

Scouting opportunity

With so little opportunity for direct contact with players, the strategy to bring in two linebackers who could play a role for the Rams down the road is actually a little inspiring.  The Rams are thinking ahead here. The team runs a bit shallow at the position based on the needs of the defense. So having a profile of coach notes and impressions certainly will help the team make a call if they need a linebacker during the season.

The Rams will likely sign ILB Clayton Johnson to their practice squad. But unless they slide him into a protected spot, he will be available to be signed to another NFL team’s active roster. Meanwhile, the more the Rams know about linebackers who can be signed to the team, the better. It may not seem important now. But come October and the Rams need a linebacker quickly? This will be time well-spent.