LA Rams 2021 NFL Draft : Mock Draft 1.1

Paddy Fisher, linebacker Northwestern

While the Rams have arguably the top defense in the NFL, they have a positional need at linebacker. While starting linebacker Micah Kiser has been outperforming expectations when healthy, he still has missed a handful of games due to injury. Not only that but the depth behind him is also is minimal and needs a boost. To provide that fix with the Rams should look at Paddy Fisher with their third-round selection.

Fisher is a big linebacker. Much like Humphrey, he has an imposing presence at 6-foot-4  245-pounds. While he doesn’t have sideline to sideline quickness he is quicker than most would expect for his size. He is solid in zone coverage and uses his size well to clog throwing lanes.

While Fisher is good at those things he excels at two things the Rams issues with, stopping the run and causing turnovers. He is great at shuffling side to side to find gaps and when he is disciplined is great at stuffing runs.

When he isn’t disciplined he will try to shoot a gap prematurely allowing the running back to hit a cut back lane putting him out of the play. Fisher can also be flat-footed which will struggle to get off of blocks. Sometimes he needs to be more physical to get off of blocks.

Due to his size, you’d expect him to be a big hitter. You’re correct, however, big hits aren’t how he makes big plays. Almost all of the big game-changing plays he makes are with his hands. Fisher has an interception each of his four years. Also, Fisher knows how to punch out a ball, especially if it’s carried loose. If you don’t carry the ball close to your body he will take a swipe at it. It is evident as in his four years at Northwestern he caused ten fumbles.

For that reason, Fisher will give the defense a much-needed boost in the front seven. Rams linebackers coach Joe Barry would love to get his hands on this because of his potential.