This undrafted free agent signing could launch the legend of DC Chris Shula

His production was off the charts

In his final season at the University of Buffalo, Shaun Dolac proved to have the type of production and versatility to become his future defensive coordinator's most dangerous weapon. He put up 168 tackles, 6.5 quarterback sacks, and 5.0 interceptions in 2024 alone, becoming a one-man wrecking ball to opposing offensive coordinators. And with that single season performance, he proved to showcase a weapon that can be used in many ways and roles

Need a productive inside linebacker? Check. Need a third-down player to substitute in on passing downs? Check. Need a hybrid LB/S who can float into various roles throughout the defense? Check.

The only limits to how great of an impact Shaun Dolac can make in the Rams' defense are how DC Chris Shula schemes to use him and how many opportunities the Rams give him in 2025.

Athletic freaks are always welcome

You can't fix the height and weight of a player. So that is simply the risk assumed by the team in signing Dolac to the roster. But you can't coach athleticism either, and Shaun Dolas buries the needle in that category. Based on his Relative Athletic Score, he gets dinged for his height and weight. But he excels at speed, agility, strength, and sphere of radius. That sets a great foundation for football.

The thing is, track and field athleticism does not always translate into football field production. Dolac has already checked the production box. So the athleticism scores are a bit of a bonus. The robust speed, power, agility, and sphere of influence do open up the possibility of a larger role. After all, imagine the benefit of a defender who can play the pass like a defensive back, yet stuff the run and sack the quarterback like a linebacker.

A hybrid defender who can be a linebacker/defensive back, depending on the play circumstances, is exactly the type of weapon that Chris Shula needs for his defense.

Ringing coach endorsements are great too

The only box left to check off is his demeanor. Is he coachable? Does he approach the game with discipline, focus, and fearlessness? Well, based on one coach's ringing endorsement, his fit in the locker room is virtually guaranteed. Just check out these comments:

The Rams locker room expects players to arrive ready to go, prepared to play, and willing to contribute. If limited to special teams, Shaun Dolac brings an upgrade to the team. Limiting him to special teams is like buying a Jeep to run to the neighborhood grocery store. He has far more to offer.

If DC Chris Shula can create a role on the defense to leverage the unique and massive number of skills that ILB/DB Shaun Dolac offers, he will cement his legacy. He is the grandson of the legendary NFL Coach Don Shula. But if he can unlock Shaun Dolac's full potential, he will become an NFL legend in his own right.

No coach can do it on his own. He needs elite players in effective schemes. Dolac's NFL career may depend entirely on the creativity of his defensive coordinator. He is in very good hands.

As always, thanks for reading.

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