2021 NFL Draft: 3 key LA Rams defensive takeaways from day one

II – Is this the year the LA Rams prioritize an inside linebacker?

The LA Rams draft strategy for the inside linebacker position has not been very successful. In the past two seasons, the Rams have ignored the position until late on day three of the draft. Then, after unsuccessfully earning a spot on the initial 53-man roster, the team executes the standard waiver process to set up that linebacker for eligibility to sign with the Rams’ practice squad. For two-year’s-running, the Rams have lost that player to another NFL team.

Los Angeles Rams

Isn’t enough, well um… enough?

Now, don’t get me wrong, I like the effort put forth by Micah Kiser, Kenny Young, and Troy Reeder in 2020. And I like the potential of a returning Travin Howard to compete in 2021. But the Rams have not committed a day two pick to the inside linebacker position for many years. Even Kenny Young, the highest-drafted inside linebacker on the roster at round four, was acquired in a trade from the Baltimore Ravens.

There are many good inside linebackers in the class of 2021 who the Rams would be wise to consider. Of course, with only six draft picks, any inside linebacker selected will cost the Rams an opportunity to draft a player at another vital position, and I get that.

But I would really love the chance to imagine a Pro-Bowler at ILB once more. I would like to believe that the heart of the Rams defense truly is the heart of the Rams defense. I would like to be excited at passes thrown over the middle, believing that our inside linebacker will be in the right position to defend the pass or even to intercept it. There are a number of very good linebackers in this draft. I would love for the Rams to select one.