5 LA Rams players who could be traded for needed draft picks

Player II: Inside linebacker

From the moment that the LA Rams landed inside linebacker Kenny Young in the trade that sent cornerback Marcus Peters to the Baltimore Ravens, I have held out hope that he would elevate his play to dominate at the linebacker position. After all, he showed plenty of promise in the Ravens defense, and he has now played two different defensive coordinators for the Rams. Surely he would fit in one of those defensive schemes?

I am still waiting for that moment where he ‘fits’ the Rams defense.

Perhaps it’s time to cease any attempt to fit a square peg into a round hole? After all, it’s been two seasons. The Rams promoted him out of necessity, as he was one of the few healthy bodies remaining for the position. His 2020 Pro Football Focus grade of 41.6 is anything but encouraging. His teammate, Troy Reeder, had a much better season. And both Micah Kiser and Travin Howard are coming back healthy for 2021.

At a salary of nearly $2.2 million, twice what the Rams are paying for their other linebackers, Young would be a nice salary cap savings. And while he was not a fit for the Rams, he still is an experienced NFL linebacker, who would be a solid player for the right team. Perhaps in the right defensive scheme, he could earn a starting role?

The Rams would be happy to part with Young for an early day three pick in the draft. Perhaps he could fetch a fourth or fifth-round pick. Not only would that add a pick to the Rams purse, but would clear out over $2 million of salary expense.