Let’s chat about LA Rams outside linebacker Leonard Floyd

When the LA Rams added free agent veteran outside linebacker Leonard Floyd to the Rams defense in 2020, the reception was… lukewarm at best. Floyd was a productive if not-flashy, edge rusher from the Chicago Bears defense. The biggest attraction for the Rams organization was his familiarity with Brandon Staley and Vic Fangio’s defensive scheme.

Of course, the Rams did what the team often does with veteran free agents. The team committed to a one-year prove-it deal. That not only ensures that the team gets the best out of a veteran player, who is eager to play his way into a longer-term deal, but it gives the player an ‘out’ if things do not work out.

The experiment worked. Not only did Floyd produce career-high numbers, but he was ideally suited for the vigorous role of playing one of the most critical positions within the team’s 3-4. And on a one-year prove-it deal of just $10 million, he was a bit of an NFL bargain.

Signing veteran OLB to 2021 Rams roster

The LA Rams historically have spent their limited salary cap dollars on quarterbacks, running backs, tight ends, and wide receivers on offense, and outside linebackers, defensive linemen, and cornerbacks on defense. But when it comes to offensive linemen, inside linebackers, or safeties, the front office has treated those positions as incubation chamber roles.  In short, the team will develop young players at those positions, let them sign on as free agents elsewhere, and commit the awarded compensatory draft picks to restock the talent pipeline once more.

When the team was forced to choose to extend either Leonard OLB Leonard Floyd or DB John Johnson III, the team naturally re-signed Floyd to a multi-year deal. Naturally, because the team sees more value in a pass rusher than a player who protects the back end of the defense.

So far, the decision seems to be the correct one. Floyd has 7.5 quarterback sacks and 43 tackles in 10 games, with seven more to go this year. That currently projects a season total of 13 quarterback sacks and 72 tackles, both setting new career highs.

Pass rush defense

The LA Rams defense is one of the most efficient pass-rushing defenses in the NFL, and Leonard Floyd is a big reason for that success. That fits the scheme of new defensive coordinator Raheem Morris, whose defense is based on pressuring quarterbacks and that pressure into turnovers. How is that working out?

So far this year, the Rams have 29 quarterback sacks and 12 interceptions in 10 games. In 16 games from 2020, the Rams amassed 53 quarterback sacks and 18 interceptions. This year, the defense is on track to get 50 sacks and 21 interceptions. Why the drop in sacks? The Rams have pulled their starters twice in the fourth quarter.

Leonard Floyd is doing what the LA Rams need him to do. Stepping up and having a better season than last year. Now the key is to get back to the NFL Playoffs.