Michael Brockers

[oldnotdead]

Brockers was a #14 pick in the 2012 draft. Back then the Rams played a 4-3 defensive scheme. Brockers was soon their starting RDT. Depending upon the defensive call it meant he was playing a 3 technique or a 1 technique.

Fast forward to the 2018 season. With the acquisition of Suh it made Michael a full time starter at DE (5 technique). His limitations at the position showed. He has never had DE type speed. Playing inside is completely different, and he could win with an explosive first step and power. Quite simply he is playing out of position.

Brockers will be 29 in December. IMO he has never shown the kind of production you expect from a mid round one pick. He has been part of the pass rush problem in the past and it was even more highlighted last year. Simply put they need better play at the position.

I don't expect him to be re-signed next year. But he counts for over $10M against the cap. Considering their cap issues I thought he would be released this year releasing $7M. It's not like they don't have options. They can promote Franklin-Myers who played well in limited snaps or they can move Obo or even Ebukam to play opposite of Fowler. Better yet move Fowler to be the fulltime DE which he is far better suited to be and simply move Ebukam back into that rush LB spot.

When you look at Brocker's production last year it wouldn't be hard to replace or improve upon with either Ebukam or Fowler. The reason they want to keep Fowler as an OLB is because he's cheaper that way. But Dante is a much better DE than Brockers and Ebukam is a much better OLB than Fowler.

The added $7M of cap space would seem to make this a no brainer. IMO Brocker is too expensive to keep given his poor production at DE.

 

[Ramstien]

Say what you will about Brockers but he is a solid player that has shown that he is willing to do whatever the Rams need him to do without complaint. I know alot of people are talking up Fowler but he still needs to prove it at the NFL level. He is currently living off his lofty draft status and his performance while in college.

 

[12intheBox]

Brockers was a #14 pick in the 2012 draft. Back then the Rams played a 4-3 defensive scheme. Brockers was soon their starting RDT. Depending upon the defensive call it meant he was playing a 3 technique or a 1 technique.

Fast forward to the 2018 season. With the acquisition of Suh it made Michael a full time starter at DE (5 technique). His limitations at the position showed. He has never had DE type speed. Playing inside is completely different, and he could win with an explosive first step and power. Quite simply he is playing out of position.

Brockers will be 29 in December. IMO he has never shown the kind of production you expect from a mid round one pick. He has been part of the pass rush problem in the past and it was even more highlighted last year. Simply put they need better play at the position.

I don't expect him to be re-signed next year. But he counts for over $10M against the cap. Considering their cap issues I thought he would be released this year releasing $7M. It's not like they don't have options. They can promote Franklin-Myers who played well in limited snaps or they can move Obo or even Ebukam to play opposite of Fowler. Better yet move Fowler to be the fulltime DE which he is far better suited to be and simply move Ebukam back into that rush LB spot.

When you look at Brocker's production last year it wouldn't be hard to replace or improve upon with either Ebukam or Fowler. The reason they want to keep Fowler as an OLB is because he's cheaper that way. But Dante is a much better DE than Brockers and Ebukam is a much better OLB than Fowler.

The added $7M of cap space would seem to make this a no brainer. IMO Brocker is too expensive to keep given his poor production at DE.

Dante Fowler isn’t a 3-4 DE and it would be a mistake to try to make him one if you ask me. Not every position shines on the stat sheet and sans Aaron Donald, who is just something different than anyone else in the game, the inside D Lineman are the best example of that. Brockers does his job and does it very well.

 

[bubbaramfan]

Brockers has been an anchor on the DL for 7 years, playing every spot on the DL . Comparing MB to Franklin-Myers? F-M can't hold Brockers jock-strap. Go back and look at Rams playoff game against Falcons. Game changed when Brock left the game. Atlanta ran at will. Had Brock not been injured and stayed in the game, Rams would have won. Replace Brockers with Ebukam or Fowler? :rolllaugh:

Fact is, Brockers is the anchor of Rams DL, not Donald. Donald can do what he does BECAUSE of what MB is to the DL. Fair weather fans want sacks and TFL. They don't notice how a guy like Brockers constantly clogs the middle or takes on two blockers, giving the other guys a chance to pressure the QB or make a play on the rusher.

I strongly disagree Oldnotdead, Brockers is way better than you give him credit for, and I want the Rams to keep him. Guys like him are hard to find and he has several more good years left in him.

 

[SteveBrown]

Bubbaram is right. Stats don't always count. heart, and leadership and tougness do. Most fans are clown watchers....that is what stats produce.

 

[tempests]

Fact is, Brockers is the anchor of Rams DL, not Donald.

Not downplaying his importance, but Donald hardly ever leaves the field, and Brockers is subbed out often on passing downs.

https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/ram/2018-snap-counts.htm

 

[bubbaramfan]

Yer right temp, but AD does most of his damage when Brockers in in.

I guess we'll see how much Wade and McVay value Brockers next year.

 

[BonifayRam]

It's my belief this will be Micheal Brockers last season as a Ram:sadwalk:.

I will enjoy :yay:watching him while he is here this season.

He is a true professional in all ways!:bow:

I expect him to earn a Ram SB ring this season.:yess:


In March of 2020, he will venture out for a very very large payday elsewhere in the NFL.

 

[den-the-coach]

@oldnotdead raises and excellent point about dollars and cents, but @bubbaramfan comes back with good old fashion common sense. I was elated when the Rams drafted Michael Brockers out Louisiana State University because he always seemed involved being on the front lines of their extraordinary defense and IMO, he's done nothing to disappoint over the years.

Last season, I believe he played hurt quite a bit, but always answered the bell and I will never forget the playoff game against the Falcons in 2017, when Brockers left with injury, the defense was not the same. Overall still productive and I'm interested to see how Brockers responds under the tutelage of new Defensive Line Coach Eric Henderson and the Rams will have to evaluate if the money is worthy of the player, but IMO, I believe Brockers will answer the call this season as the defense moves into the upper echelon of a top 5 unit in 2019.

 

[fearsomefour]

Brockers is a very good D lineman.
Not everything is about sacks.
If he became a FA tomorrow there would be a host of teams looking to throw money at him.

 

[dang]

I try not to look too far ahead. The 2019 Rams know exactly what they have in Brockers and decided to stay with him. I could see them moving on without him next year but for this year I am happy he will be anchoring the Rams DE position.

 

[Loyal]

At this point, mentioningdraft position is totally irrelevant. Brockers does the dirty work on the Oline,and Ireally likethe guy as a player.

 

[wolfdogg]

Love Brockers but this is probably his last year here and if Fowler picks up where he left off that money will go to resigning him as Meyers takes over at end.

 

[OldSchool]

Let the man play out the last year of his contract with the same effort and drive he's given us for years. He's a good DLineman and a great teammate. Wouldn't want the Rams to cut him even if they needed to.

 

[Corbin]

Brockers was a #14 pick in the 2012 draft. Back then the Rams played a 4-3 defensive scheme. Brockers was soon their starting RDT. Depending upon the defensive call it meant he was playing a 3 technique or a 1 technique.

Fast forward to the 2018 season. With the acquisition of Suh it made Michael a full time starter at DE (5 technique). His limitations at the position showed. He has never had DE type speed. Playing inside is completely different, and he could win with an explosive first step and power. Quite simply he is playing out of position.

Brockers will be 29 in December. IMO he has never shown the kind of production you expect from a mid round one pick. He has been part of the pass rush problem in the past and it was even more highlighted last year. Simply put they need better play at the position.

I don't expect him to be re-signed next year. But he counts for over $10M against the cap. Considering their cap issues I thought he would be released this year releasing $7M. It's not like they don't have options. They can promote Franklin-Myers who played well in limited snaps or they can move Obo or even Ebukam to play opposite of Fowler. Better yet move Fowler to be the fulltime DE which he is far better suited to be and simply move Ebukam back into that rush LB spot.

When you look at Brocker's production last year it wouldn't be hard to replace or improve upon with either Ebukam or Fowler. The reason they want to keep Fowler as an OLB is because he's cheaper that way. But Dante is a much better DE than Brockers and Ebukam is a much better OLB than Fowler.

The added $7M of cap space would seem to make this a no brainer. IMO Brocker is too expensive to keep given his poor production at DE.

While I agree MB might be playing out of position in a 3-4 compared to what he optimally would be playing in a 4-3 he is athletic and has enough experience to make up for it. As others have said he is the anchor of this kind and it is ludacris to think releasing him this season is even warranted.

I agree after this season we might not get close to resigning him or extend a contract due to the amounts he’ll command but for this year at least he is going to be the cornerstone on this D-Line.

Time to go reevaluate how you deduce reasonings my man.

 

[SuperMan28]

Brockers is almost a tweener between DT and DE. Right now the hottest trait for a DT is to be a disrupter like Donald, Fletcher Cox, Chris Jones, Kenny Clark, or Casey. If Brockers only makes 7 mil a year then he's earning his money. Gotta have those solid players.

Chiefs version of Brockers was Allen Bailey. But we replaced him with a plethora of other guys like him (Ogbah, Okafor, Speaks, Kpassagnon, Khalen Saunders ((Aaron Donald of the FCS)). Point being he I'd say he's definately expendable if Rams need the money.

(And Fowler is a 3-4 OLB. Totally different.)

 

[ReekofRams]

No Michael Brockers isn’t a stats man for himself. He’s a stats man for others like Aaron Donald, JFM, Fowler, and others.

If you were to ask a those players what they think of Brockers they’d praise him big time for his willingness to do the dirty work, take on double teams, for his ability to play multiple positions, for his hard work, and for his example he sets for others.

So don’t go by just stats, for many linemen have been overrated and underrated by making that mistake.

 

[RamFan503]

Not sure how Fowler even factors into this conversation. Their roles aren't even similar.

Brockers is not a great player but he is a very good player that is very versatile and can be relied upon no matter who else is playing along side him. He's also known as a very good team mate and mentor.

If the Rams move on from him, I will miss seeing him suit up in horns. Until then, he will keep bringing his lunch pail to work.

And as others have said, when he went down in that ATL game, a blind person could see how bad he was missed.

 

[Merlin]

I've always been in Brock's corner but it is true he is on that bubble in terms of cost vs production. He does bring leadership too, but the Rams seem to have an emerging 5T in JFM.

Brock needs a strong camp and season. Think he will have those things too but it does bear watching and he is an obvious FA departure post-contract.

 

[oldnotdead]

This is talking scheme fit guys. Wade Phillips plays what is called a hybrid 3-4. Basically what that means is that it uses 3-4 type of dline but aligns them and plays them like a 4-3 scheme. The second DE is a OLB (Fowler) and instead of the usual 3-4 two gap scheme, it is played as a one gap penetrating scheme. Brockers is a natural 3 technique being played as a 5 technique DE. Normally you want a player that is fast, with good length at that position. Watch the games from last year. Brockers is only dealing with a single blocker and normally doesn't get much penetration especially on passing downs. He lacks the speed to get around the edge so he just tries to over power the LT (who usually is the best oline on an offense). He's also been part of the problem on run defense. He needs to be stronger at the POA.

He's not being paid $7M hes taking over $10M in cap space. Next year when he's not on the team that money will be reallocated towards Fowler. I have no doubt Fowler will play well enough to deserve it. He was on the team for about 8 games yet he outplayed Brockers. Both he and Brockers essentially play the same position, only on different sides.

I like Brockers but not for $10M a year especially as a DE with the limited impact he provides. In 2017 when they couldn't stop the run he was part of the problem. Fowler sets the edge on the strong side far better than Brockers on the weak side.

He will benefit this year from having Gaines at NT beside him in the run defense. But you don't pay a DE $10M to come off the field on passing downs. So he stays in and really simply occupies the LT. Thats what he did last year with limited success.