LA Rams Camp Showdown V: Michael Hoecht vs. Ernest Brown IV

The LA Rams have a couple of roles to fill on the defensive line, and for the most part, the starting role will come down to who impresses more between veteran A’Shawn Robinson or rookie Bobby Brown III. But the role of defensive end Morgan Fox, while just a rotational role on the defensive line, will be a key role nevertheless. After all, Fox jumped his production in 2020, setting 27 tackles and six quarterback sacks, both as career highs. Now, that part-time role must be filled by a new face on the roster.

The only question is, who? After all, it takes a lot of work to stick around on the LA Rams defensive line unit.  Defensive line coach Eric Henderson, a former NFL defensive lineman, pushes the group hard as they place the grueling effort under the mantra DawgWork. That effort can make, or break, a professional athlete as it forces players to embrace the effort to get there long before they get to the football field or the spotlight.

It’s a right of passage, a requirement to prove the right mindset before the team entrusts any player to represent on the football field. After all, we’re taking a rather exclusive group. This unit is led by All-Pro Aaron Donald, in many eyes the best NFL player of this era. Competing with him and next to him is an honor unto itself.

Right now, that honor is about to be bestowed upon a player who has yet to take a snap in an official NFL game. While entering the NFL for the first time happens to each and every player, this role is held to a pretty high standard. Whoever puts their hand in the dirt for the Rams on the defensive line must be more than ready to make plays. They must be at their best in order to deserve the opportunity to line up to an All-Pro as he is at his. We believe two fit that description this year: Mike Hoecht and Ernest Brown IV