With Bobby Brown down, Can LA Rams DL deliver?

The LA Rams defensive line has not been getting a lot of favorable press of late. While the unit is led by one of the best NFL players of all time in All-Pro defensive lineman Aaron Donald, the anonymity of this teammates has left NFL analysts and Rams fans alike scratching their heads and wondering who is actually digging in their heels to make plays on the Rams defensive front.

One such player who has not gotten a great deal of positive press is LA Rams nose tackle Bobby Brown III. Brown was the 118th player selected in the 2021 NFL Draft, a defensive tackle who showed the ability to stuff the run and chase down the quarterback

Unfortunately, his transition into the NFL has been anything but smooth sailing. His rookie season was hindered by minor injuries that delayed his inclusion into the Rams defensive lineman rotation. In short, the LA Rams Super Bowl winning season only benefitted from Browns performance in 22 defensive snaps.

The next season was no better, as Brown was suspended for six game to start the 2022 season. Once again, that derailed Browns role on a defensive front that was riddled with injuries. By season's end, Bobby Brown III had competed in 164 defensive snaps, That is the equivalent of three NFL games. Not great, but better.

Brown steps up to full-time starter in 2023

Major changes were in store for the LA Rams when the 2023 NFL Free Agency Market claimed both veteran NT Greg Gaines, who signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and DT A'Shawn Robinson, who signed with the New York Giants. Down two starters, the Rams defense promoted Bobby Brown to a starter for the 2023 NFL season, and so far he has done a fair job at his position.

Per Pro Football Focus, Brown's grade in 2023 is a respectable 68.9. While he has yet to record a quarterback sack this season, he has managed to record 13 tackles in 132 defensive snaps, with one tackle for a loss, one quarterback hurry, and one quarterback pressure. While a number of Rams young defenders have been missing tackles to the point of fan dissension, Brown has only missed one tackle this season.

But, as has been the case over the past two seasons, Bobby Brown III will suffer another setback. This time an MCL sprain that has placed him on Injured Reserve and will sideline him for nearly two months:

That is another disappointment to a player who seems to build a head of steam in his performance, and yet is prematurely benched.

Still, the Rams are not decimated on the defensive line just yet. The Rams will likely ride the impressive performance of rookie NT Kobie Turner. And the Rams could promote either DT Marquise Copeland or DT Cory Durdan off their practice squad. The Rams could even get some snaps off Larrell Murchison or even restore OLB Michael Hoecht to a DT role.

The Rams have faced a grueling opening stretch of their 2023 NFL season, facing teams with a combined 18-5 record. The team enters a new chapter of this season, with their next four opponents before their BYE week boasting a combined record of just 10-11. While that is no guarantee that the Rams will be more successful, it does suggest that the Rams will have a chance to better gauge their own competitiveness and progress so far.

With Bobby Brown down, can this LA Rams defensive line deliver? We will certainly find out soon enough.