Rams Roster: Fast 40+ LA Rams roster roundup ILB Deandre Square (#18)

After you get past veteran inside linebacker Ernest Jones, the LA Rams defense is a bit light on experience. Of course, that was a deliberate decision, as the team chose to mutually part ways with All-Pro veteran ILB Bobby Wagner. Deliberate, and necessary. Over the course of the past several years, the Rams committed far too many dollars to far too few players. As long as the team was winning, it was okay. But the team did not win many games during the 2022 NFL season. So, it's time to regroup.

A quick summary

With the departure of Wagner, the LA Rams defaulted to the promotion of third-year ILB Ernest Jones to a starting role. But now, who backs him up on the defense? And who plays alongside him in a defense that will be both young and untested? That is what the LA Rams are trying to find out in training camp this season.

While he was only on the coaching staff for one season, Offensive Coordinator Liam Coen undoubtedly gave the Rams front office incredible details about Deandre Square, and expect that made the difference.

What I don't like about this signing

Deandre Square, like any undrafted rookie signed to the LA Rams roster, comes with a set of question marks that persuaded other teams not to take a swing for him. So what are those concerns? He has a high missed tackle rate of nearly 12 percent. And rather than a physical linebacker, he is more suited to play in space and commit to defending the pass.

When you think of inside linebacker, you think of athleticism and high impact play. That may not be what you get with Deandre Square, unfortunately.

What I like about this signing

The Hammer and the Anvil. Two different tools of a blacksmith, but equally vital. An anvil is that huge block of hardened metal that does not move, that becomes the platform for metal working. The hammer is swift, light, and brings strong momentum and skill to the forge and metal working process. If Ernest Jones is the Anvil, then Deandre Square could be the hammer, a swifter more mobile backer who frustrates quarterbacks and receivers on crossing routes and slipping through the line of scrimmage.

Deandre Square was never a tackling machine for the University of Kentucky. But he was consistent, and was able to deliver on both running and passing plays. In fact, three interceptions and seven passes defensed from an NCAA inside linebacker is pretty good stuff.

What I love about this signing

When any player is named to ESPN's Top-12 NFL Draft sleeper list, that is reason enough to sign the young man. When that same player gets a ringing endorsement from Reese Senior Bowl Director Jim Nagy, there is no good reason to hesitate. The track and field measurements may be the stuff that some focus on, but that should not be considered a substitute for a football player's heart and attitude.

Deandre Square has the heart of a lion and the slyness of a fox. That not only gets noticed, but it tends to attract ringing endorsements as well:

Of course, all of the testimony in the world won't get it done on game day. Square will need to show up big on special teams and on defense when the pads to on to have a shot.

What are his chances of making the roster?

The LA Rams 53-man roster is a tough slot to claim as an undrafted rookie this year. But I do think that Deandre Square has a chance of claiming a practice squad slot. If he has a good training camp and preseason, he could even find himself activated on game day as well.