5 free agency ILBs to help LA Rams endure full season

Option 1

Jake Ryan is our fifth and final prospect for the LA Rams inside linebacker position. He is a 6-foot-2 240-pound linebacker who also can play either inside or outside. He was injured in 2018, and his knee was reinjured in 2019.  He did sign on with the Baltimore Ravens in 2020 but was released after the Ravens were able to draft two players in the 2020 NFL Draft.

Ryan played four seasons in the NFL, playing in 45 games and starting 27. When he is on the field, he is very productive. The problem is getting him onto the football field and keeping him there. We also identified Ryan as an option for the Rams pass rush need, and his ability to play either inside or outside would make him ideal for the Rams’ needs on defense right now.

Linebacker depth

Ryan is a young player at 28 years old. And while he has had a history of injury, the Rams primarily need a player who can show up, produce in the defensive rotation, and perform an occasional start when the Rams need to afford time for their starters to heal. With the opportunity to line up behind Aaron Donald, Ryan’s career could jumpstart with the Rams.

Some may not agree that the Rams need to give linebackers a look now. But if not now, then when? The Rams have Kiser with a groin injury, Young with a knee injury, Howard out for the season, and Reeder as the lone healthy inside linebacker.  It’s time to dial, bring some players in for tryouts, and consider adding the best of the bunch.  Waiting does nothing besides add pressure to the team when the situation becomes worse.