3 reasons why OLB Michael Hoecht is due for the Floyd effect in 2024

III: He is a veteran pass rusher who is underestimated

The LA Rams defensive scheme, and not the player himself, resulted in Hoecht being forced by opposing offenses to play a pass coverage role. But what many fans failed to acknowledge is how impactful Hoecht was to the overall defensive effectiveness in 2023.

Let's begin by examining Hoecht's modest beginnings. He was undrafted, a player whose original assessment placed him no better than a depth player who might be drafted into service if the starters suffered injuries. But Hoecht has proven to be more than a player stored behind the 'in case of emergency, break glass' section of the Rams roster. He rose to the occasion in 2022 when true outside linebackers struggled so poorly that several were outright released.

And yet, Hoecht outplayed them all. Well, all but veteran outside linebacker Leonard Floyd, that is.

In 1.5 seasons and just over 1300 defensive snaps, Hoecht has put up 10.5 QB sacks and 117 tackles. Those are pretty good numbers for a guy who arrived to the NFL at a completely different position and well-practiced skill set.

Hoecht was extended on a one-year deal this past offseason. He is competing for playing time with new rookies Jared Verse and Brennan Jackson. While he will likely fall back to a backup role, his presence alone will afford this defense something that it has not had in the past two years.

He will be a very capable backup.