3 reasons why LA Rams OLB Chris Garrett is ready for a larger role

Reason I – The LA Rams have the opportunity for him to do so

The LA Rams suffered two losses of players to the NFL Free Agency market in the 2022 off-season. Not only did the team fail to sign veteran outside linebacker Von Miller, but the team lost pesky rotational edge rusher Ogbonnia Okoronkwo. That is not just a playoff starter gone, but a solid rotational player who had been a steady contributor to the team.

While there is little chance for Chris Garrett to jump from bench to starter, there is every chance for Garrett to be slotted into Obo’s vacated role. Obo appeared in 13 games, played 255 defensive snaps, and added 15 tackles, six quarterback hits, two forced fumbles, and 2.0 quarterback sacks.  That is the opportunity for Garrett in the 2022 NFL season.

Rams Roster: A significant defensive contributor

Obo did not have a single defensive snap until October 2021, and Garrett’s first season may follow a similar track. He won’t be thrown to the wolves, and that means that he will need to prove himself more than ready to be on the football field. But once he gets out there, he will make a name for himself quickly.

I suspect that his production will be a bit episodic. He won’t have the steady type of production that is a clear indication that he has mastered the role. But he could put up multiple quarterback sacks/hits/ and pressures in a single game and then go a game or two without, throughout his first season. And that is just how it goes for young players breaking into the league.

He has lightning speed and may be the only player on the LA Rams roster who could beat Aaron Donald to the quarterback. But he will grow through trial and error. The good news is: The LA Rams will give him the opportunity to do so.