6 surprise omissions from LA Rams first depth chart

Howard

Just one short year ago, it was inside linebacker Travin Howard who was paired up with teammate Micah Kiser who was projected to start for the LA Rams to open the 2020 NFL season.  Of course, Howard got hurt, Kiser was injured two times in the season, and Kenny Young and Troy Reeder carried the load through the end of the season and into the playoffs.

While both players seemed to improve over time, I wouldn’t exactly say that any of last year’s earned the distinction of being starters this year. But the one thing that I truly expected of the Rams is to view the returning three players who returned to the defense with skepticism. They are all in the last year of their contract.

Travin Howard, while also in his last season, will be easy enough to bring back as an Exclusive Rights Free Agent (ERFA). So I am a bit nonplussed over Howard appearing behind Troy Reeder on the depth chart. Is that right? Have the experiences of Kenny Young and Troy Reeder been so positive that they will be designated starters with just a year left?  Is Ernest Jones, the rookie drafted in round three, truly just the fifth-best option for the team at that position?

Much like the decisions made at the offensive line, the depth chart at the inside linebacker position seems to throw the 2020 season into peril. Unless the team is planning to carry more than four inside linebackers on the roster, the team will be forced to ante up to retain veterans or be forced to start over a year from now with a blank slate  Howard was a projected starter in 2020. In 2021? He’s the fourth-best linebacker on the team. Is it the player? Or have the coaches moved the goalposts?