Rams Depth Chart Analysis | Defense
Following some intriguing departures, who is in line to start for the Rams defense in 2021?
Nose Tackle
The Rams defense could take on a hybrid variety in 2021. Brandon Staley largely ran a 3-4 scheme in 2020, but Raheem Morris has more of a background running a 4-3 scheme. When they do line up in a 3-4 scheme, look for Sebastian Joseph-Day at nose tackle primarily. He saw the majority of snaps in that position last year and should be the anchor in the center of the line again. Joseph-Day can also line up at defensive tackle if the Rams switch into a 4-3 front.
There should be some intriguing competition between fourth-round selection Bobby Brown III and Greg Gaines for who backs up Joseph-Day. Gaines saw a reasonable amount of time at nose tackle in 2020, finishing the season with 1.5 sacks and 3 QB hits on 4 pressures. However, Brown could be the natural successor to Joseph-Day.
Interior Defensive Line
Aaron Donald finished the 2020 regular season with 45 tackles (27 solo), 13.5 sacks, 4 forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery in 16 games. He was the NFL Defensive Player of the Year and has been a first-team All-Pro for the last six seasons (2015-2020).
A’Shawn Robinson could be the player to benefit the most from the departure of Michael Brockers. He will have to compete with Brown and Gaines and several others, including fifth-round selection Earnest Brown IV. Robinson played on just 11 percent of the defensive snaps in 2021. Therefore, the third position on this defensive line is very much available to be won in training camp
Outside Linebacker
Outside of trading for Stafford, re-signing Leonard Floyd to a four-year, $64 million contract was the most significant move for the Rams’ depth chart this offseason. In his first season with Los Angeles, Floyd had a career-high 10.5 sacks and 19 quarterback hits, along with 55 tackles and 11 tackles for a loss.
The big question mark then revolves around who lines up opposite Floyd at the other outside linebacker spot. As a third-round selection in 2020, Terrell Lewis is a player we could see take the role with both hands. However, Lewis played in just eight games and took 124 defensive snaps. He needs to prove he is healthy, and if he can, he could make a strong pairing with Floyd.
His main competition should come from Justin Hollins, who had 3 sacks and 5 QB hits on 5 pressures last season, and Ogbonnia Okoronkwo, who had 1 sack and 3 QB hits on 4 pressures. The selection of Chris Garrett out of Concordia will provide some further competition. However, he is likely to play a minor role in his first season with a huge step up in level.
Linebacker
Micah Kiser is coming off a solid yet injury-shortened season for the Rams in 2020. Kiser racked up 77 tackles (44 solo), 3 passes defensed, and a forced fumble over nine regular-season games. He suffered a knee injury in Week 11 that forced him to miss the rest of the regular season. Even with his absence, the Rams never skipped a beat as they ended the season with the top-ranked defense in 2020.
Bouncing back to totals he put up as a rookie with the Baltimore Ravens, Kenny Young set a new career high in tackles with 52 while making six starts. Young added 2 QB hits, 3 tackles for a loss, a sack, 2 passes defensed, and had a 79-yard pick-six in Week 14.
One of the reasons the Rams saw little to no decline in production after Kiser was injured was the outstanding play of Troy Reeder. Over the Rams’ final six regular-season games and two playoff games, Reeder recorded 80 of his 81 tackles to go with his 3 sacks and 2 passes defensed. He could see an expanded role as the Rams look to fill holes left by Cory Littleton and Bryce Hager.
Another player who could push for playing time to fill that void is linebacker Ernest Jones. A third-round selection out of South Carolina, Jones made 199 tackles, with 10.5 for loss, 2 sacks, 2 interceptions, and 3 forced fumbles.
Cornerback
There is a legitimate debate on the best cornerback in the NFL between Jalen Ramsey and the Dolphins’ Xavien Howard.
However, there is no question about Ramsey’s leading role on the Rams’ depth chart. Ramsey is a lockdown corner who relishes the opportunity to take on every opponent’s best receiver. In 15 games, Ramsey recorded 44 tackles (36 solo), 9 passes defensed, and an interception en route to his second career first-team All-Pro nomination.
The Rams extended Darious Williams a first-round tender during the offseason to keep him on the roster. Williams managed career-high numbers across the board in 2020. Playing on 824 defensive snaps, Williams recorded 44 tackles (37 solo), 14 passes defensed, and 4 interceptions across 16 regular-season games. With teams reluctant to challenge Ramsey, Williams should see another busy season in 2021.
The departure of Troy Hill has left a void for the Rams in terms of their nickel corner. There could be a fairly wide-open competition for that role in camp this year. Rookies Robert Rochell and Brontae Harris could both earn immediate playing time with strong performances.
They will be competing against the likes of David Long and Dont’e Deayon. Loing was the only corner other than Ramsey, Williams, and Hill to take snaps last season. However, the majority of his snaps were on the outside. The Rams could also try one of their number of safety options in the nickel corner role during camp.
Safety
Jordan Fuller had an impressive rookie season and emerged as the Week 1 starter. Although he missed time on the IR due to a neck injury, Fuller recorded 60 tackles (42 solo), 5 passes defensed, and 3 interceptions in 12 games. In his second game back, Fuller made his presence known when he returned and intercepted Tom Brady twice in Week 11.
Taylor Rapp was having a solid season before missing the final seven games in 2020 due to a knee injury. Rapp recorded 44 tackles across nine games with 3 passes defensed, a forced fumble, and an interception while playing 64% of the defensive snaps. Rapp saw some snaps covering the slot receiver last season and could be in contention for that role if he misses out on a starting safety role.
Terrell Burgess underwent season-ending ankle surgery in October but should be ready once camp opens up. Undrafted free agents Paris Ford, Jovan Grant, and Troy Warner could all have a shot to earn playing time with strong showings.
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Tommy Garrett is a writer for Pro Football Network covering the NFL and fantasy football. You can read more of his work here and follow him at @TommygarrettPFN on Twitter.