8 edge rushes from free agency the LA Rams should invite for tryouts

DL Jernigan

The LA Rams may need help on the edge, but recently released defensive lineman Timmy Jernigan offers a bit of everything that the LA Rams could use. We’ve talked about him in the past,  once as an option to reinforce the LA Rams run defense, and for a second time simply to elevate the play of the defense overall. Is the third time a charm?

Well, after a near signing by the Houston Texans, and a brief sting with the Jacksonville Jaguars, defensive lineman Timmy Jernigan enters NFL Free Agency once more. How long will he be available?  Well, he is an accomplished defensive trench worker. They don’t stay unattached for very long.

No, Jernigan is not an edge player. And he may not be the right player for the LA Rams in everyone’s perspective. But we’re talking tryouts.

Mulitfix Jernigan

The LA Rams need help on defense.  Yes, we are focusing on the LA Rams need to add pressure on the opposing quarterback, but the Rams are slipping a bit on rush defense this year as well. Adding a veteran like Jernigan to the rotation helps the Rams run and passing defense.  At 6-foot-2 and 295 pounds, Jernigan is versatile enough to play at any one of the three LA Rams defensive line positions. Even if just a stopgap addition until NT A’Shawn Robinson returns, he would help the Rams defensive line at a critical time.

In 51 starts, Jernigan has 133 tackles and 17.5 sacks. His most productive years occurred with the Ravens, but he has been effective with the Philadelphia Eagles as well.  And for now, the Rams might like what they see and give Jernigan a shot. His greatest contribution is his attitude. Jernigan is the type of player who gets meaner as the chips start to fall against them.  He is a spark kind of guy, and right now, it appears that the Rams defense could use more sparks.