Rams 2020 breakout watchlist: DL Sebastian Joseph-Day

[ROD-BOT]

Rams 2020 breakout watchlist: DL Sebastian Joseph-Day

If there’s one position group on the Rams’ roster that isn’t lacking depth, it’s certainly the defensive line. After signing A’Shawn Robinson and bringing back Michael Brockers in free agency…

theramswire.usatoday.com

Rams 2020 breakout watchlist: DL Sebastian Joseph-Day

If there’s one position group on the Rams’ roster that isn’t lacking depth, it’s certainly the defensive line. After signing A’Shawn Robinson and bringing back Michael Brockers in free agency to team up with Aaron Donald, the Rams have a stout defensive line that’s great against the run.

But Sebastian Joseph-Day, the starting nose tackle last season, should not be forgotten in Los Angeles. Even if he isn’t in line to start again in 2020, he could have an impact at both nose tackle and defensive end.

His versatility will be an asset up front and should be maximized by defensive coordinator Brandon Staley. It’s part of the reason he’s on our breakout watchlist for this coming season.

NFL career thus far

Joseph-Day didn’t play as a rookie in 2018, but he was a key part of the defense last season as the starting nose tackle. He played all 16 games, starting 15 of them, and finished with 44 tackles (five for a loss), five QB hits and two sacks.

Better known as a run defender than a pass rusher, Joseph-Day can still get after the quarterback. He’s a nice complementary piece on the interior next to Donald, who commands double teams on just about every snap.

His overall grade from Pro Football Focus last season was 63.0.

Why he could break out

Staley has stressed the importance of versatility on the defensive line, and Joseph-Day has plenty of it. at 6-foot-4, 310 pounds, Joseph-Day can play any of the three positions on the D-line. He’s most comfortable at nose tackle and was best at that spot last season, but he can give Brockers a breather at defensive end when needed, too.

His playing time will be limited due to the presence of Brockers and Robinson, but Joseph-Day is a good run defender who does a nice job keeping his head up and staying in his gap. Here’s an example of that from last season as he makes a tackle for loss against the Bucs.


As a pass rusher, Joseph-Day has a relentless motor and never gives up on a play. His pursuit is always strong, which is a testament to his work ethic.

Against the Buccaneers, he initially got stopped by the center, but he looped around after Donald flushed Jameis Winston from the pocket. Joseph-Day made the tackle before Winston could pick up any yardage, bringing him down for a sack.


His other sack came against the Cardinals and Kyler Murray. Joseph-Day shakes loose from the center by using his strength to push him to the side, opening up a path to the quarterback. He swallows Murray up before he can elude the sack, taking him down for a big loss.


Joseph-Day could get more opportunities in passing situations on third down than any other down, given his ability to rush the quarterback. And for the most part, sacks are the first stat fans look toward when judging a pass rusher or defensive lineman in general.

If Joseph-Day can add to his sack total and bring the quarterback down four or five times, he’ll certainly get more recognition.

Why he may not

Joseph-Day isn’t a perfect prospect, of course, or else the Rams wouldn’t have felt so desperate to bring Robinson in. He did get a chance to show his ability last season, but apparently that wasn’t enough to earn him the starting job again in 2020.

Could that have to do with Staley arriving as the defensive coordinator? Perhaps he had some say in signing Robinson, preferring his skill set to Joseph-Day’s. That will also be working against the third-year player out of Rutgers.

If Joseph-Day can’t capitalize on what could be limited chances in 2020, he won’t be able to break out and really emerge as a key contributor. He’s plenty athletic enough to succeed on the inside, but he needs to make the most of his chances.

 

[Ram65]

It's a little weird how the Rams defensive line-shaped up in the offseason. Rams signing the Big A and then getting Brockers back will take away some PT for SJD. However, this gives the Rams the deepest defensive line they have had in a long time. After reading the below article (link) I'm starting to think SJD could play DE as well as NT. He is down to 305Lbs and is still putting in the weight training to get stronger. Paired with Big A and Donald SJD could see a lot of one on one matchups at DE. If he continues to grow as a pass rusher he could easily take snaps away from Brockers this year. Either way the defensive line will have more rotation options and should be much fresher throughout the game. This Rams defense is going to much better at stopping the run and setting up more pass-rush opportunities.

Watch: Sebastian Joseph-Day is putting in work this offseason

Sebastian Joseph-Day isn’t just going to hand over his starting spot.

theramswire.usatoday.com

 

[oldnotdead]

SJD breakout year was supposed to be last year when he was anointed the starting NT. His situation is like that of WR Reynolds. How do the Rams view SJD? The signing of Robinson as their NT of the future answers that question. Like Reynolds, the Rams see SJD as a backup talent.

Break down his game films and you will see how all too many times he is simply stoned at the POA by a single blocker. His issue has always been and continues to be his inability to get off blocks, which is why he is soft at the POA. His "highlights" are more about the poor play by the opposition, or his being set up by the play of AD. I said it last year and his play proved it. SJD is a backup talent, not a starter. Too many times he simply got blown off the LOS opening up the middle of the defense in the run game. That is why they got Suh and now Robinson.

So what happens to SJD and Gaines? Gaines can also play 3T so he can rotate behind AD or play 3T opposite AD on passing downs where Phillips sometimes rotated Brockers when he used his double 3T and 5T pass rush set. The problem with SJD is he is only a 1T, he lacks the sand to play 0T (2 gap NT). The problem for SJD is there are 2 guys, Michael Hoecht and Jonah Williams who bring more to the table in terms of versatility for Staley. Hoecht can play NT & 3T and Williams can play 3T and 5T. What might save SJD is the lack of camps and preseason games for these guys to show what they can do. But in the long run I can see SJD's days being numbered.

 

[BonifayRam]

I just see a good size young NT. That said he will be entering his 3rd pre-season here shortly & SJD did put in some consistent games as the season wore on last season. IF SJD were to turn into a good bona fide starting NT this DL would have a different look & naturally would greatly benefit from it.

Giving Staley many options @ the 5 tech post with Brockers/ Robinson/ Copeland/ Williams. This post has never been this strong & loaded. The NT post going with SJD/ Robinson/Gaines provides solid middle. The 3 tech post with Donald/ Brockers/ Fox/ Hoecht is another outstanding group. I just have a good feeling about this DL.

 

[PressureD41]

I hope SJD improves, I too just see him as another JAG. He allows the OL to get a hold of him too often. He needs more power in his legs and core, and needs to work on staying lower coming out of his stance.