LA Rams outside linebacking corp is the most versatile in the NFL

LA Rams outside linebacking corp are the most versatile in the NFL

The LA Rams outside linebacker are many things. One of the more interesting ones this year without a doubt. Sure they don’t have the big-name flashy players, like the Denver Broncos with Von Miller or Bradly Chubb, or the LA Chargers with Joey Bosa and Melvin Ingram, but they possess an ability they don’t, supreme versatility.

Now if you’ve read any of my articles before,  you know I love the term versatile when it comes to the defense. Now, what do I mean when I say versatile? Well, a couple of the outside backs are not only pass-rushers but have experience in drop-back coverage as well. One even has the ability to play as an inside linebacker.

Edge rush or pass coverage

Let me break down why. In a base 3-4 outside linebackers, the lineman always rush the passer, but the outside linebackers are different. Here is why.  The defense can opt to rush one both or neither and have them drop into coverage. The better they are at both roles the better the defense can perform.

But here’s where it can get interesting, Mixing up the assignments of the outside linebackers can confuse the offensive line and quarterback. If the line thinks they’re dropping back into coverage, they can get a free rush to the passer. If the quarterback thinks he’s facing rushing, edge defender the linebacker can drop into the lane the quarterback thought was open and get a pass break up or interception.

Roster experience is mixed

Veteran outside linebacker Leonard Floyd is probably the most experienced player on the roster at the position.  He’s had a couple of pass breakups over his first four years in the NFL using his above-average height and arm-length. He’s even come down with an interception, though it was off a tipped ball. He’s even manned up some backs with success. Out of all the OLB on the Rams roster, he’s done it in the league longer.

Rams rookie Terrell Lewis played this role in college too. There are games where Alabama kicked him inside and had him play zone like a regular middle linebacker instead of an edge rusher. While I would say it is not the best place for him the experience is there. Right now, Lewis is recovering on the Rams Reserve/NFI list.

Follow me to LA

Lastly, this brings me to the Rams newest edition from the Denver Broncos waiver list, Justin Hollins.  Hollins’s experience at Denver is similar to Lewis because the Broncos also tried moving him around to middle linebacker, although in a more permanent way. Staley, who was Hollins’s linebacker coach in Denver, is familiar with why. While it isn’t clear just yet if he will play both roles or stick to linebacker the experience is immeasurable.

While wrapping this up, let’s give a quick shout out to Samson Ebukam. While he hasn’t shown the coverage skills the others have, the tip-six swatting the ball to himself on Monday night football was impressive. and he helped us win the game with his performance.

What do you think Rams fans? I don’t know about you but the defense excites me. Staley needs to be a mad genius cooking something up to take advantage out of all this talent.