LA Rams DL talent still overflowing for 2021

Yes, the LA Rams have traded venerable defensive lineman Michael Brockers. And any hopes of re-signing defensive end Morgan Fox were dashed when he signed on with the Carolina Panthers on the first day of the new 2021 NFL season. Two significant contributors, with ten quarterback sacks between them, are now playing for other NFL teams.

Now, don’t fret.  There is a silver lining to all of this, and it has nothing to do with using draft picks for some young defensive lineman standout who will save the day. Of course, it will rely upon the performance of NT A’Shawn Robinson to emerge as a reliable starter for 2021. That is why the Rams signed him in 2020, after all. But now some expect the Rams to use draft picks for the defensive line.

To be honest, I don’t believe that the LA Rams will need to use a draft pick on their defensive line in 2021.  In fact, the more I ponder the possibility, the more I believe that it won’t happen. That’s a good thing because right now the LA Rams don’t have enough draft picks to fill their anticipated roster needs. In fact, while the Rams did trade away Michael Brockers, I was very much amazed that the return was not a 2021 NFL Draft pick at a minimum.

Of course, none of this should come as a surprise to the Rams organization. They’ve been at this for a while, and know that for every trade, cut, or retirement, the LA Rams will need to fill the void with someone else. It seemed very unusual for the Rams to carry three defensive linemen on the practice squad in 2020, with a fully healthy defensive lineman group rotating all year. Well, now we know why.

Perhaps now, more than any other season, the assembly of this roster’s younger players is incredibly critical to the chances of success for the 2021 NFL season. One underwhelming performer in either a starting or rotational role could be the difference between winning games, or losing them.