Why the Rams defense devalued linebacker position in draft

[ROD-BOT]

Explaining why LA Rams defense devalued linebacker position

The LA Rams defense focused the 2020 NFL draft upon defensive backs rather than interior linebackers. Here's some explanation of why:

ramblinfan.com

Why the Rams defense devalued linebacker position in draft
Bret Stuter

How is it that the LA Rams watched four starting linebackers depart in the off-season and didn’t bat an eye. How is it that the LA Rams last selected a linebacker in the first three rounds of the NFL Draft when the team chose Alec Ogletree in the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft? How is it that after losing both starters at interior linebacker from 2019, the LA Rams did not sign anyone to the position in free agency? Then, the team drafted one interior linebacker in round seven?

If you said that the Rams defense is moving away from the standard 3-4 base configuration, give yourself a round of applause. If you said that the Rams are moving more rapidly to a defensive back-focused defense under new defensive coordinator Brandon Staley, give yourself a standing ovation. That’s where it appears we are heading folks. Now, where’s the evidence?

Football Outsiders analysis

The analysts over at Football Outsiders had recently posted how NFL teams modified their defensive personnel groupings from the 2019 NFL season versus the 2018 NFL season. Their numbers show that dime defense (meaning, six defensive back sets) increased by 2.7 percent league-wide and the LA Rams were one of the league’s leaders with the use of a dime package 42 percent of the time. Let that sink in folks. The LA Rams ran defenses with six or more defensive backs 42 percent of the time in 2019.

The Rams defense ran their 3-4 base defense 34 percent of the time, good for the third-highest usage in the NFL. The team’s use of the dime package of 42 percent usage was good for the second-highest usage in the NFL. So what about that five defensive back nickel-package? The Rams saw fit to use that formation just 23 percent of the time, which was dead last, or the 32nd ranked usage in the NFL.

Defense discussions

The LA Rams defense, like that of any other NFL team defense, is categorized as either a 4-3 defense or a 3-4 defense. There are no other base categories recognized in the NFL today. The 4-3 refers to the base defense with four down linemen and three upright linebackers. Similarly, the 3-4 refers to the base defense with three down linemen and four upright linebackers. Any other version is considered a “sub-package”.

The defense can swap out a linebacker for a defensive back, placing five defensive backs on the field. This five-defensive-back defense is often referred to as the nickel-defense. If the offense goes with an empty backfield, some defenses counter with another linebacker/defensive back substitution, commonly referred to as the dime-package. As the NFL has modified the rules, offenses that once ran heavily, now pass heavily With the exception of an occasional team, average NFL offenses now count upon 65 percent of their offense as a result of their passing plays.

2018 to 2019 changes

The LA Rams defensive personnel groupings for 2018 was a base 3-4 at 43 percent of the time, which was second-most in the league. The team ran with the nickel package 34 percent of the time, which was the 29th-most frequent usage in the NFL. The Rams’ use of the dime package in 2018 was 22 percent of the time, good enough for the eighth-ranked usage of the formation.

We can see from the 2019 tables that the Arizona Cardinals and Seattle Seahawks remain in base defense more often than any other teams in the league, while the San Francisco 49ers played nickel-package 70 percent of the time. The Rams eventually learned from experience that they needed to commit more players to blocker roles to face their NFC West rivals. And while we were there, we peeked in at the Denver Broncos. Curiously, the Broncos were a base 3-4 for 27 percent of the time, dime-package for eight percent of the time, and nickel-package a whopping 65 percent of the time. Why check the Broncos? What Denver’s defense did, the LA Rams defense will likely do in 2020.

Rams drafted DB over LB

In the 2020 NFL Draft, the LA Rams had a limited number of draft picks available. That shortfall of picks compared to the team’s shopping list meant that the team found it necessary to prioritize needs. The team clearly made defensive backs a priority, as the team selected hybrid defensive back, Terrell Burgess, at pick 104, and hybrid defensive back Jordan Fuller at pick 199. Both DBs were chosen before the Rams drafted linebacker Clay Johnston at pick 234. Who did the Rams leave on the board when they chose Burgess?

Well, the Rams left LB Akeem Davis=Gaither, Mykal Walker, Troy Dye, and Shaquille Quarterman on the board when they opted for Burgess. This is not to second guess the Rams choice, nor to judge. This exercise is simply to prove that the Rams’ interest in the interior linebacker position may be waning, as is the interest of many NFL teams in the role right now. The trend for NFL teams to run with six defensive backs is increasing rapidly in the NFL. So what does that mean for the LA Rams defense in 2020?

Popular Personnel packages

The LA Rams’ most popular personnel packages, stating with a dime package, will likely take the shape of the defensive line manned by DE Aaron Donald, NT A’Shawn Robinson, and DE Michael Brockers. The Rams linebackers will likely be OLB Leonard Floyd and OLB Samsun Ebukam. And
The Rams defensive backs will include Jalen Ramsey, Troy Long, Darious Williams, Terrell Burgess, John Johnson III, and Taylor Rapp. To convert this package to a nickel-package, swap out Terrell Burgess and swap in Micah Kiser. To convert the nickel package to the base, swap out Darious Williams and slide in Troy Reeder.

Of course, with rotations and a more focused depth chart, the names of some players may be interchangeable. The fact is that the Rams did not draft a linebacker higher in the draft because the team is deemphasizing the role of the linebacker in the 2020 defensive packages. The Rams got bigger and stronger on the defensive line and added defensive backs who can play both cornerback and safety. Why didn’t the Rams draft a linebacker with the 104th pick of the 2020 NFL Draft? By choosing Terrell Burgess, they essentially did.

 

[oldnotdead]

This saying exactly what I've been pointing out about the ILB position. Both Kiser and especially Young give Staley options as both have SS type speed and builds. Snead opted for athleticism in his ILB to get that option. If Young is the WIL and Staley pulls Kiser (MIKE) to bring in his nickel DB then he can actually play it like a Dime if they simply coach up Young on his coverage skills. Player flexibility gives Staley multiple options, something Phillips did not take advantage of.

 

[LARAMSinFeb.]

Seems kind of odd to cite our trends over recent seasons when we have a new DC, but yes this seems to explain what's going on with our personnel acquisition.

 

[snackdaddy]

I think the lack of quality LB's is an overblown subject. In a 3-4 they have two OLB's with 3 DL's. Which means 2 ILB's. Floyd on one side and Ebukam/Davis/Obo on the other. Those guys should be at least serviceable. They could be better. How many times do they use 5 or more DB's? Seems like quite a bit. How crucial is ILB in those instances?

 

[Ram Ts]

Plus, they probably feel Burgess is one heck of a player — a guy that will be much more impactful For the Rams than others in the board at 104.

 

[oldnotdead]

In the hybrid system that the Rams use on defense, the ILB is a part-time position now that they have a legit 3 down NT in Robinson. At least one of the ILBs will be pulled to bring in the NCB.

The Rams run a hybrid 3-4 which means at times they have only 2 d-line with the rest of the front 7 as LBs. In their base set, they still look to use Brockers at least on early downs but he will be replaced by Lewis on passing downs IMO. that will leave only AD and Robinson as the only d-line on the field. Floyd is a JACK LB which means 80%-85% of his snaps will be as a hand in the dirt DE. Next year when Brockers is likely gone, Lewis who is also an OLB will be a second JACK LB who can play either out of a 3 point stance or standing up. Ebukam plays as the SAM which is an OLB position as a 3 down player. So once Brockers is gone the Rams will play 5 LBs in their base but aligned as either a 1 gap 3-4 or in a 4-3 look.

What I'm saying is don't get hung up on what position a player's official designation is. On any given play Ebukam can blitz and Young or Kiser can rotate out and cover as a SAM as both have the speed to do it. In a traditional 4-3 Kiser would likely be the SAM in that scheme.

The hybrid 3-4 is all about having versatile players who allow the DC to disguise his defensive play by moving them around pre-snap and post-snap.

 

[dang]

The loss of Littleton and Fowler will be a challenge but there are a number of prospects that allow a LB by committee strategy that may be even more effective. Losing Matthews will benefit the Rams as he was one dimensional. Not sure who they are referring to as the other list ILB but if it’s Hager (A for effort D- for results) we are good to go.

 

[So Ram]

In the hybrid system that the Rams use on defense, the ILB is a part-time position now that they have a legit 3 down NT in Robinson. At least one of the ILBs will be pulled to bring in the NCB.

The Rams run a hybrid 3-4 which means at times they have only 2 d-line with the rest of the front 7 as LBs. In their base set, they still look to use Brockers at least on early downs but he will be replaced by Lewis on passing downs IMO. that will leave only AD and Robinson as the only d-line on the field. Floyd is a JACK LB which means 80%-85% of his snaps will be as a hand in the dirt DE. Next year when Brockers is likely gone, Lewis who is also an OLB will be a second JACK LB who can play either out of a 3 point stance or standing up. Ebukam plays as the SAM which is an OLB position as a 3 down player. So once Brockers is gone the Rams will play 5 LBs in their base but aligned as either a 1 gap 3-4 or in a 4-3 look.

What I'm saying is don't get hung up on what position a player's official designation is. On any given play Ebukam can blitz and Young or Kiser can rotate out and cover as a SAM as both have the speed to do it. In a traditional 4-3 Kiser would likely be the SAM in that scheme.

The hybrid 3-4 is all about having versatile players who allow the DC to disguise his defensive play by moving them around pre-snap and post-snap.

I don’t understand your Brockers point of view ?? What happens to Ebukham as a Ram is a bigger question.

Floyd is gone next season, as well as a bunch of other players. I believe will see much more of a push from inside.

The rotation is hard to see right now because of no OTA’s so to me it’s a mute point. Wade has his rotation that I believe got him fired & the reason The Rams lost to the 9ers & was part of him not being resigned.

 

[So Ram]

The loss of Littleton and Fowler will be a challenge but there are a number of prospects that allow a LB by committee strategy that may be even more effective. Losing Matthews will benefit the Rams as he was one dimensional. Not sure who they are referring to as the other list ILB but if it’s Hager (A for effort D- for results) we are good to go.

As good as Clay & Fowler were, I like having A. Robinson’s upside. Ebukham was out playing Clay toward the end of the season.

Having JJ back & the experience the DB’s gained with Weddle will pay off. Plus Weddle lost a step last season which hurt the D” at times.

 

[Ram65]

B Akeem Davis=Gaither, Mykal Walker, Troy Dye,

These guys are not run-stuffing three-down Lbers. They are closer to hybrid LB/DBs. The Rams have Travin Howard

Shaquille Quarterman

This guy went a full round after Burgess and is not a cover Lber.


I will speculate that the Rams drafted Burgess because he has great flexibility to play both safety spots, Nickle CB and even cover CB in a crunch. He can also play right away. The Rams are looking down the road as well when he can take over as a starter safety for Johnson when he will become a free agent next year.

It's hard to find solid three-down Lbers that can cover and play the run. The good ones are gone early in the draft Simmons, Queen and Murray to name a few went early. A couple could be had later but, the Rams replace offensive weapons in round two with Akers and Jefferson.

I don't know about the numbers and percentages but I do know that we now see hybrid LB/DBs like Howard playing more and more. The Rams used M Christain as a bigger hybrid cover DB and Howard later in the year in that same roll.

The Rams also already have Kenny Young to compete as a ILber.

 

[RamsOfCastamere]

Who is Troy Long? Proofread dude c'mon

 

[Snaz]

Who is Troy Long? Proofread dude c'mon

To get under the 80 man rule Troy Hill and David Long will be using the new Hybrid uniform where two players share a jersey, pads, and pants. This way two players only count as one on the field or towards the roster count.

 

[BonifayRam]

Nothing new here from we already know ..............Snead from the very beginning has mostly valued CB-ER-DL over LB'ers & Safeties. When you review the 2020 top 12 salaried Ram players you will find on the defensive side 3 DL'ers, 2 CB's & one OLB'er. You would have to go down to #39 till you find your first ILB'er Kenny Young.

Snead traded for a TB Buc starting safety back in 2014 mid season named Mark Barron, then the next season started him @ ILB'er. The next two seasons this safety now ILB'er made 116 tacks {2015}& 118 tacks {2016} for the Rams defense. Was Snead ahead of the curve 6 yrs ago?

 

[Merlin]

Wade always prioritized rushers and corners so IMO that preference spilled over to Snead in evaluation. Les, to his credit, does seem to align himself for whatever the staff is prioritizing, which isn't always the case with GMs. Some have priorities they can't look past like Parcells priotizing power (or 3+ years starting in college for his QBs), Gettleman preferring size, Polian preferring responsible types, etc.

ILB has definitely been devalued though and not just by the Rams. The way the position is viewed right now is IF you're a three down backer who can fill vs the run well you're gonna get paid. In fact you see the guys who can do both or who project to do both early on in their careers go off the board in the first couple rounds of the draft. Those 3 down guys who can stuff the run are highly prized in today's league simply because there aren't enough of them to go around.

But if you're the rest of these clowns you're basically a JAG. And those types get subbed for on run or passing downs, which can be taken advantage of by offenses who run hurry-up to keep the matchup they want on the field. So if you don't have the 3 down types, welp, let's load up some safeties. And that's not ideal either btw, simply because safety types have a harder time getting off blocks and tend to not be as effective as the bigger LB types in dealing with traffic.

Lastly if you do have to go with safety types at ILB the best way to do it is have a dominant front that limits pulling OL. IMO this is what the Rams are hoping happens this season, that their front will be among the best in the league with Robinson added. I think Robinson could do that IF he's the guy we saw 2 years go. If not, well, we're gonna continue to have issues stopping the run.

 

[rams1fan]

Here is one stat that goes against what the article says. last year Littleon (LB) played 1039 snaps. That was 94% of all snaps. By far the most on the team.

 

[rdlkgliders]

Terell Lewis as our 3rd pick hardly equals undervaluing a position

 

[TheTackle]

I thought we would draft Malik Harrison when he was still available in round 3. It will be interesting to see how he fairs. I liked Troy Dye but think we drafted better players when he was still available

This draft could return as many as 4 immediate starters at RB WR (in 3 WR set) Edge Safety ILB and Kicker

 

[oldnotdead]

Here is one stat that goes against what the article says. last year Littleon (LB) played 1039 snaps. That was 94% of all snaps. By far the most on the team.

There are two ILBs in a hybrid 3-4, with a JACK (an OLB who lines up on the LOS as a DE) like Fowler now Floyd and a SAM OLB (Ebukam). With a 3 down NT one of those two ILBs will be pulled. That is why Littleton got those snaps. Wade went with SJD at 1T or a double 3T alignment with Brockers and AD on passing downs. He then pulled the MO ILB who in most schemes is the coverage ILB. But since the Rams didn't play Young they left Littleton on the field. As we saw in Merlin's breakdown, too many of Littleton's stats were made on the wrong side of the LOS. Littleton's issue go back to his time at UW. Too many times he needed to be decisive and he wasn't. Too many times he needed to play quicker and he didn't. He was strictly a zone defender in coverage as he lacked speed and quickness to play any other way. Leaving him on the field was a HUGE tip-off for the QB in his reads as Zone coverage underneath.

Wade got old and lazy and simply didn't want to coach up the young guys so he simply didn't play them. That's why he's gone. Don't get me wrong I loved Wade most of his career but it was obvious last year he simply stopped putting in the effort. When he was with the Chargers his half time adjustments were many times brilliant. His half time adjustments were so so last year and the dropoff was readily apparent.

 

[Faceplant]

Kittle all but changes the D philosophy for all DCs in the NFCW. I think that is why we see the Rams moving towards the more flexible ILBs that can cover in space. That, along with the addition of Robinson and bringing back Brock were (IMO) telling as they are trying to solve the problem that the Bay Bitches presented to the league last year. It's a tough nut, but this defense is the best way to crack it. Also think that Lewis could be key in this defense if he can stay healthy.

 

[kurtfaulk]

Kittle all but changes the D philosophy for all DCs in the NFCW. I think that is why we see the Rams moving towards the more flexible ILBs that can cover in space. That, along with the addition of Robinson and bringing back Brock were (IMO) telling as they are trying to solve the problem that the Bay Bitches presented to the league last year. It's a tough nut, but this defense is the best way to crack it. Also think that Lewis could be key in this defense if he can stay healthy.

i'm getting amped up to see this team play again.

.