LA Rams send starting ILB Kenny Young to Broncos

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Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports /

Roster rearranging

The LA Rams know that Kenny Young’s contract expires at the end of the 2021 NFL season. They also drafted an inside linebacker who was projected to deliver a bit of a thump in the heart of the defense, a spot that has suffered so far this year by the strong rushing of opponents as well as some huge pass plays.

Kenny Young is 6-foot-1, 234-pounds, is in the last year of his NFL contract, and per Pro Football Focus, has earned a 2021 grade of just 58.3. In fact, that is his best score yet. In contrast, the LA Rams have Troy Reeder who is 6-foot-3, 245-pounds, but who has been graded by PFF at just 46.9. To be fair, Reeder has played much better for the Rams defense in the past when he has seen more consistent playing time.

“Really tough decision for us,” said Sean McVay of Kenny Young trade, then indicated that the trade was “financially driven” while also name-dropping Troy Reeder and Ernest Jones as guys who need to step up (and further, they’d like one to step up in their single-backer pckge)
— Jourdan Rodrigue (@JourdanRodrigue) October 25, 2021

The most likely reason to trade Young for next-to-nothing is his inability to step up, while the Rams have rookie Ernest Jones waiting for his chance to play a larger role. Apparently, the time is now. Jones is a hefty 6-foot-2, 230-pounds, and even as a rookie with limited playing time, has a PFF grade at 53.2 so far.

Jones is a thumper, a badass ‘backer from the glory days of yesteryear. Even if beaten on one play, he will learn and not make the same mistake for a second time. Is he ready for an NFL start? It seems that the coaching staff believes him to be. Getting him into the Rams starting lineup now gives him ten NFL contests to gain priceless experience in, and learn from, in time for the post-season.

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