8 2021 LA Rams rookies who could surprise in 2022

III: Red-shirted defensive end

There was always going to be an uphill climb for defensive end Earnest Brown IV in 2021. But that is the path that lies in front of anyone who aspires to be the best. The LA Rams had a robust roster in the defensive line entering 2021, and Brown’s opportunities were limited due to so many players competing for time – as early as OTAs.

But 2022 will play out a bit differently now. Brown is a 6-foot-5 270-pound returning player, which already bodes much more favorably than his situation from a year ago. He’s familiar with the NFL, the LA Rams, Coach Eric Henderson, and his teammates.  But perhaps most of all, he’s had a year of coaching, training, practicing, and perfecting his skills.

The return of Earnest Brown IV this year is the equivalent of getting a fourth-round defensive lineman in the 2022 NFL Draft. While there are no guarantees, he is a better prospect, harboring far better chances to deliver quality defensive play for the LA Rams defense. And why do I believe that? Well, Coach Henderson doesn’t grade on a curve, folks. Coach Henny is a straight-shooter and has likely already laid out a path for Brown to compete for playing time on this defense.

Now, it’s up to Brown to adhere to that plan and show up ready to go.  I believe that he will. DAWGWORK is about the mindset of forging ahead and never taking plays off. After a year of that being drilled into him each day, it’s not going away anytime soon. Will it pay off for him this season? I think so. While he won’t be bumping anyone off the starting roster, he could be making inroads both on special teams and in a defensive rotation.