Why LA Rams LB Ernest Jones is absolutely key to 2021 defense

Ernest is earnest to lead this Rams defense

That is until this draft happened and the LA Rams’ selection of South Carolina’s linebacker Ernest Jones in the third round. Hallelujah! The Rams have finally got themselves a real honest-to-by-God linebacker, someone they envision as destined to be their new ringleader, their new defensive signal-caller, a bona fide field general with a banger’s mentality.

Los Angeles Rams

His selection is aimed at plugging that festering cavity of a weakness that has existed in the middle of their defense for far too long, and what opposing teams (can you say San Francisco ‘Niners twice?) exploited with ease. Something this team has desperately needed for a painfully long time.

With the Rams’ stout defensive front, Jones will be freed up to go a-thumpin’ upon any and all ball carriers. Draft analysts, God love them, write with the understanding of a vanilla  NFL defense as the rookie’s destination. The Aaron Donald effect raises all the boats moored in the harbor. He commands so much attention in the form of double teams that Rams linebackers are not fighting off the blocks of 300-pounders, AD’s got this. And there’s the rub.

This team has spent so much effort trying to develop lesser-talented linebackers over the years that it’s about time it drafted somebody who doesn’t need to be coached up quite as much. The cream rises to the top and is recognized as such. The boss says” I,” but the leader says “We.” And with this pick, not only do the Rams find themselves with a plug-and-play linebacker. But the ceiling of his upside is no longer as close to the ground.