LA Rams signs Brooks to 53-man, Williams to PS

Special teams are now a priority on Rams Roster

Let’s talk about why the Rams promoted a defensive back who has yet to play a single down on defense. Yes, we’re talking about that very versatile defensive back, former Maryland Terrapin Antoine Brooks, who was waived from a rather crowded secondary field from the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Standing 5-foot-11 and weighing a muscular 205-pounds, Brooks is a posterchild for the Super-Saiyan hybrid LB/DB role that is such a good fit in Raheem Morris’ defense. Unfortunately, he arrived in September, long after the Rams has worked out and through the depth chart and rotations for the team’s secondary.

Super-Saiyan Special teams standout

He is hampered by a slower than expected 4.64-second 40-yard time, but that is not how this guy plays. He will lose foot races with the speedsters at the back end, but most of the routes run by receivers are short bursts and cuts. Brooks is a physical thumping type of defensive back who is an ideal addition to the Rams special teams.

Since he has arrived at the Rams, he has played exclusively on special teams. But that’s a good thing because the Rams need all the help that they can muster on their coverage teams. How so? Per Lineups.com, the LA Rams have allowed the third most kickoff return yardage in the NFL with 516 yards in just 20 returns, an average of 25.8 yards per return, or better than a touchback.

With Brooks on the coverage unit, the Rams hope to improve that number significantly. He was activated the annual limit of twice already in the season. Now, on the active roster, he will be a mainstay on the coverage unit.