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

LB Sheard

The LA Rams could bring in Jabaal Sheard next. Sheard is an extremely versatile edge rusher who is as productive as a 3-4 outside linebacker as he is as a 4-3 defensive end. He can do both and is a threat to the quarterback from either position.  He is getting some interest from the Detroit Lions right now, so if the LA Rams have any interest, they need to act quickly to at the least bring him in for a tryout.

Sheard has nine years of experience in the NFL, with the Cleveland Browns, the New England Patriots, and the Indianapolis Colts. He started 12 games for the Colts in 2019, recording 25 tackles and 4.5 quarterback sacks. His pass rush is still solid, as he was good for four quarterback knock-downs, 11 hurries, and 20 pressures in 2019.

Donald would boost Sheard’s career

A player like Sheard flirts with the upper tier of an NFL edge rusher.  His career has oscillated between four and eight quarterback sacks, and he continues to search for that perfect fit. On the LA Rams defense, he could find that perfectly suited role.  After all, who wouldn’t want to play on the same defensive front as All-Pro Aaron Donald?

We’ve seen the impact before on the career of OLB Dante Fowler Jr. and the early results upon that of OLB Leonard Floyd.  With Donald attracting so much attention, Sheard would get more than the average one-on-one matchups. He can win those at a better than average rate.  At 6-foot-3 and 268 pounds, Sheard would be able to play multiple roles on the Rams defense. That versatility and production are definitely worth a tryout.