Countdown to Camp: Outside linebackers should be a strength for L.A. in 2019

  • To unlock all of features of Rams On Demand please take a brief moment to register. Registering is not only quick and easy, it also allows you access to additional features such as live chat, private messaging, and a host of other apps exclusive to Rams On Demand.

CGI_Ram

Hamburger Connoisseur
Moderator
Joined
Jun 28, 2010
Messages
48,082
Name
Burger man
https://www.therams.com/news/countdown-to-camp-outside-linebackers-should-be-a-strength-in-2019

Countdown to Camp: Outside linebackers should be a strength for L.A. in 2019

As we continue to get ever closer to rookies and veterans reporting at UC Irvine, the Friday, July 12 edition of Countdown to Camp will break down the club’s outside linebackers.

Newcomers: Clay Matthews, Josh Carraway, Landis Durham

After searching for production out of the position on a rotating basis for much of the first half of 2018, Los Angeles traded for outside linebacker Dante Fowlerand got plenty out of the deal. Fowler was more of a rotational player with Jacksonville — the team that drafted him No. 3 overall back in 2015.

But in Los Angeles, Fowler was a full-time player and made the most of his opportunities. He recorded 2.0 sacks, a forced fumble, four tackles for loss, and five quarterback hits during the regular season — adding 1.5 sacks, four TFLs, and three QB hits in the playoffs.

Fowler elected to sign a one-year deal with the Rams rather than head into unrestricted free agency. And given that he’s now had a full offseason program with the club, there’s plenty of reason to believe he should be even better integrated into the scheme in 2019.

One of Los Angeles’ big prizes in free agency, veteran Clay Matthews should also aid in the production from the OLB spot. Matthews will likely start opposite Folwer in the Rams’ base 3-4 package — which is more for early downs. Then on third downs, or any known-passing situation, Matthews could be more of a wild card — lining up where it most makes sense from a matchup standpoint. Playing the first 10 years of his career in Green Bay, Matthews has recorded 83.5 sacks — good for No. 6 on the active list.

Samson Ebukam was a starter at outside linebacker for Los Angeles last year, notably scoring a pair of defensive touchdowns in the Monday Night Football victory over Kansas City. But this year, he’s more likely a heavy rotational player. Playing 68.6 percent of the Rams’ defensive snaps as a second-year player, Ebukam recorded 3.0 sacks, three forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, six tackles for loss, and six quarterback hits.

A fifth-round pick in 2018, Ogbonnia Okoronkwo didn’t see the field as a rookie after suffering a foot injury during the offseason program that landed him on the Physically Unable to Perform list to open the year. But Okoronkwo has a chance to make the 53-man roster as a rotational piece this year. He recorded 20.0 sacks in college at Oklahoma.

Trevon Young bounced between the active roster and practice squad as a rookie in 2018, making a key fumble recovery in the Week 7 victory over the 49ers. He’s another potential depth piece for L.A.

Los Angeles signed OLB Josh Carraway in early May. He entered the league as a Titans seventh-round pick and spent time with Washington last year. The club also added undrafted free agent rookie Landis Durham out of Texas A&M to compete for a roster spot.
 

oldnotdead

Legend
Joined
May 16, 2019
Messages
5,384
People need to understand how the OLB fits into Wade Phillip's hybrid scheme. The WIL (Fowler & Obo) are primarily pass rushers and DE's at the POA on outside run plays. The SAM (Ebukam) is a more traditional OLB on the strongside. He needs to set a strong edge on run plays and to cover the RB or TE in the flats. He's faster than both Fowler and Obo, and as expected he's still a work in progress in pass coverage.

The addition of Josh Carraway might be with an eye on next year. He would seem to be in that DE mold to play behind or compete with SJD after Brockers leaves next year. The most obvious hole in the front 7 was depth behind Ebukam at SAM. That is one of the primary reasons the team signed Clay Mathews. Mathews will float between ILB in rotation with Kiser and in rotation with Ebukam. I'm sure depth behind Ebukam will be a priority next year. Or they might be looking forward to next year with Carraway. Josh IMO is a 2 year project player. He needs a whole lot of work on his technique and most of all in the weight room. He lacks functional strength to play consistently at this level.

Wade Phillips changes his defensive front on every snap. Offenses will never know who will be where and it often leads to missed blocking assignments. This is why an OLB needs to be more than a standup LB. He might be in a 6T with his hands in the dirt one snap and standing up and dropping into coverage.

When Phillips goes to his dime secondary, only Fowler will always be on the field. Depending upon the opposition, Littleton or Ebukam might be the only other LB on the field.
 

Merlin

Enjoying the ride
Rams On Demand Sponsor
Joined
May 8, 2014
Messages
37,047
Matthews will end up playing a ton of edge for us this season. He's got more in the tank than he's given cred for, and is the best edge rusher on this roster. The initial plans on his usage will probably change once he gets out there in camp and starts doing his thing.

Wade will flip him back and forth, too, from the strong and weak sides to get the matchup he wants for him.

Biggest concern with Matthews is the penalties. He gets called a lot, even when it shouldn't be a penalty, due to his style of play. Rams' staff needs to work with him on that and show him some film of AD throwing QBs down instead of driving them.
 

snackdaddy

Who's your snackdaddy?
Joined
May 6, 2014
Messages
10,719
Name
Charlie
I'm thinking the defense should be better against the run. Gaines and/or Joseph-Day might not be as talented as Suh, but they might be a better fit with this particular defense. Matthews and/or Kiser bring more size in the middle than when we have both Littleton and Barron there. Fowler is actually a pretty good run defender. And Weddle knows where to be most times. Something about Ebukam seems to be JAG all over him. I wonder if they would experiment with Littleton on the outside with Kiser and Matthews in the middle on run situations?
 

Ram65

Legend
Joined
Apr 30, 2015
Messages
9,597
That is one of the primary reasons the team signed Clay Mathews. Mathews will float between ILB in rotation with Kiser and in rotation with Ebukam. I'm sure depth behind Ebukam will be a priority next year.

Mathews will be the starter on the outside. On third downs he will be a JOKER moving around. He stated earlier and it was posted here that he will be playing the outside on early downs. I think we will see more blitzes from different positions this year. Kiser was a great blitzer in college. Mathews will come from anywhere. Littleton blitzed well last year too. Ebukam will get some playing time and maybe Obo too. Fowler will rush the passer a lot but, can also stay in coverage. Wade will be able to confuse the offenses with this amount of flexibility.
 

oldnotdead

Legend
Joined
May 16, 2019
Messages
5,384
Ebukam has been developed by this team to be a complete SAM OLB. I saw Mathews in coverage and Ebukam is probably better. I don't see this team regressing Ebukam in favor of an aging vet who might only be on the team one or two years. Ebukam has played well and his development should continue.

I was watching a replay of the playoff game with Dallas. Dak started to roll out but actually stopped when he saw Samson setting a hard edge by coming off his block. That hesitation by Dak allowed him to be tackled for a loss by Fowler I believe. But Ebukam's play made that possible. He's one of the most under rated players playing a difficult position with a ton of responsibilities. That was just one of several plays I noted during the season.

Clay Mathews natural position is OLB, but he played ILB the last two years in Green Bay. Setting the edge, his run defense in general, as well as pass rushing should be okay with him. He ran a 4.67 at his combine and after so many years IMO he's probably pushing 4.8 now. Samson ran a very fast 4.45 and that is why they wanted him as the SAM. He has the speed and size to cover, RB's and TE's.

Last year in passing plays Brockers got pulled and Samson shifted over to that DE. This left a hole at SAM. Now with Mathews they have that covered. Either Ebukam or Mathews can shift to DE with the other remaining at SAM. When you have two good players at a position, that is a very good thing. It gives Wade lots of versatility.
 

shovelpass

Hall of Fame
Joined
Aug 4, 2014
Messages
4,229
Last year in passing plays Brockers got pulled and Samson shifted over to that DE. This left a hole at SAM. Now with Mathews they have that covered. Either Ebukam or Mathews can shift to DE with the other remaining at SAM. When you have two good players at a position, that is a very good thing. It gives Wade lots of versatility.
When this happens it's not in base defense, so technically there is no SAM LB. It's a 2-4-5 defense or Nickel, or possibly even Dime but the line is the same, Donald and Suh as the interior lineman, Ebu and Fowler as the EDGE LBs/DEs, and Barron and Littleton as the LBs. Much like last season with Quinn and Barwin on the outside with Donald and Brockers on the inside. Of course players get rotated and Wade will throw some different looks but the it's all somewhat looks the same.

In this set EDGE LB/DE is similar to DEs in a 4-3 set where they play more to the outside and rely more on speed than a typical 3-4 DE where strength is key.

Neither Fowler, Ebu, or Matthews will be lining up as DE in base set, they're not big enough or strong enough to consistently take on a tackle from a 3 or 4 point stance. From what I've read a "5 technique DE" doesn't always lineup at 5 position, sometimes it's "5i" or even "4" putting them either straight up with the tackle or between the tackle and guard. Those guys would be swallowed up. There's a 50lb difference between Brockers and Fowler/Matthews and 60lbs with Ebukam. They're not interchangeable positions.
 

oldnotdead

Legend
Joined
May 16, 2019
Messages
5,384
I'm sorry if I implied it was in their base defense. Because your right it wasn't. It was when they aligned in their pass rush defense. Size isn't a problem with Ebukam in a 3 point stance. Have you noted the average size of a 4-3 DE? Or have you noted Von Miller who is 6'3" , 250 lbs, and often is in a 3 point stance. Ebukam is 6'3" 245 lbs there were times as a rookie Samson was in a 3 point stance. But the team had a glaring need at SAM so starting last year that is where they moved him.

Fowler is the WIL which lines up in a 3 point stance as basically the second DE in their base set and Fowler is 6'3" 255 lbs.

So there is no reason physical reason Ebukam can't play DE in this scheme. It's a 3-4 in name only because its a one gap scheme aligned and played the same as a 4-3 with the exception that the WIL will sometimes drop into coverage. Baltimore plays the same scheme and Suggs is the WIL he's 6'3" 265 lbs.
 

shovelpass

Hall of Fame
Joined
Aug 4, 2014
Messages
4,229
I'm sorry if I implied it was in their base defense. Because your right it wasn't. It was when they aligned in their pass rush defense. Size isn't a problem with Ebukam in a 3 point stance. Have you noted the average size of a 4-3 DE? Or have you noted Von Miller who is 6'3" , 250 lbs, and often is in a 3 point stance. Ebukam is 6'3" 245 lbs there were times as a rookie Samson was in a 3 point stance. But the team had a glaring need at SAM so starting last year that is where they moved him.

Fowler is the WIL which lines up in a 3 point stance as basically the second DE in their base set and Fowler is 6'3" 255 lbs.

So there is no reason physical reason Ebukam can't play DE in this scheme. It's a 3-4 in name only because its a one gap scheme aligned and played the same as a 4-3 with the exception that the WIL will sometimes drop into coverage. Baltimore plays the same scheme and Suggs is the WIL he's 6'3" 265 lbs.
Yes those guys will have a hand in the dirt, when they're in the DE/EDGE position in nickel and dime packages. They're attacking from the outside, not from the 5-tech position. Which is exactly my point. None of those guys listed are 5-tech. WIL is like a DE in this scheme in that the rush the end, but it's further outside where they can use their speed. Those guys aren't lining head up with a tackle or between a tackle and gaurd. You keep mentioning replacing Brockers with Fowler, Ebu, and Obo, and it's not possible, it's not the same position and they're too small.

https://www.pff.com/news/pro-defensive-line-techniques-the-2017-prototypes

4 OR 5-TECHNIQUE (3-4 DE) – J.J. WATT, HOUSTON TEXANS
DL-Prototype-Watt-BW.png


Over the past few seasons, arguably no position in football has changed more than the 3-4 defensive end spot. With multiple-front defenses becoming more popular, combined with the fact that nickel defense has become the new base, 3-4 DEs find themselves playing all over the defensive front. In its most traditional form, much like the 0-technique, the position was a two-gap player, lining up directly over the offensive tackle and being responsible for the B and C gaps on his side of the formation. These players are typically long and stout with a skill set that allows them to stack big offensive tackles and shed them in order to make a play on the ball carrier. As the league has developed into more of a pass-happy landscape, so the position has developed into one that plays the pass first and run second, and the amount of two-gapping done in today’s league is a fraction of what it was ten or more years ago. These defensive ends are moved around across multiple techniques and are far more likely to be operating in one gap and looking to penetrate into the backfield.

The prototype 3-4 DE is easily J.J Watt. He is both long at 6-foot-5 with 34-inch arms, and heavier than a 4-3 DE at 295 pounds, which allows him to play the traditional 5-technique position, holding his gap on run downs. In sub packages, Watt moves all over the front playing both on the edge and inside at 3-technique. This is common among the league’s best 3-4 DEs. In Watt’s last full year of action, he led the league among 3-4 DEs in run stops (37) and in pass-rush productivity (12.4).

Alternative prototypes: Calais Campbell, Leonard Williams, Jurrell Casey

9-TECHNIQUE (4-3 DE, 3-4 OLB) – VON MILLER, DENVER BRONCOS
DL-Prototype-Miller-BW.png


The 9-technique is primarily a pass-rush specialized alignment and is only used outside of those confines by a handful of teams. Players lined up in 9-technique are far outside of the offensive tackle and rely heavily on speed and bend to crush the edge. With no blockers near the 9-technique they are able to hit full speed before either making a distinctive move or using a low center of gravity to bend the edge flying by the offensive tackle. In many cases, the offensive tackle will anticipate the speed rush and over commit to the outside making themselves susceptible for an inside counter move. It is a technique that comes in and out of vogue in the NFL, because all of that extra width opens up significant space along the line that can be exploited by the offense.

Von Miller can play in any edge technique, but he is the leagues prototypical rusher from the 9-technique. Miller uses a variety of moves to beat opposing offensive tackles but one that sticks out is his bull-rush. Miller will use his speed to get the offensive tackles feet moving and then devastate them converting his speed to a powerful bull-rush. Almost 28 percent of Miller’s 79 pressures in 2016 came from the bull-rush. This number is substantially higher than other elite pass rushers like Mack (16 percent), Jordan (15 percent)) and Olivier Vernon(eight percent).

Alternative prototypes: Cliff Avril, Brandon Graham

See the difference? And they both players listed played in Wade's scheme.

Ebu played behind Barwin, who was the SAM. Quinn and Longacre played WIL.
 
Last edited:

BonifayRam

Legend
Joined
Jan 14, 2013
Messages
13,435
Name
Vernon
https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2019/...s-rusher-depth-chart-trevon-young-dante-fowle
2019 Los Angeles Rams roster preview: OLB Trevon Young coming of age
Young will look to separate himself amid the logjam of depth at the edge.

By Skye Sverdlin@Skyeattolah Jul 23, 2019, 9:45am CDT

1052712818.jpg.0.jpg
Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images
A year ago, I had the privilege of previewing Trevon Young as a rookie out of the University of Louisville.

I really liked his upside. It’s hard to tell if a 6th-round pick from the 2018 NFL Draft will ultimately carve out a spot in the gameday depth chart, but Young seemed to have some of the characteristics of an NFL player. He has plenty of moves to swim past tackles and good size off the outside.

After a strong preseason last year, he ended up appearing in two regular season games and getting only twelve snaps. On one of those twelve snaps, he did recover a fumble against the San Francisco 49ers in Levi Stadium.

Roster Battle
Entering camp there does not appear to be an overwhelming array of top-shelf talent off the outside, but there are a bunch of solid players who will be competing with Young. Behind Dante Fowler, Jr., Clay Matthews, and Samson Ebukam, Young will compete with Ogbonnia Okoronkwo, Josh Carraway (roster preview), Justin Lawler (roster preview), and Morgan Fox (roster preview) to round out the Rams’ depth on the outside.

Like Young, Carraway was impressive in college, was a late pick and has spent time as a practice squad option with the Tennessee Titans and Washington the last two seasons. Okoronkwo is small but fast and will be looking to show the he can be as electric as a pro as he was at Oklahoma. Fox and Lawler were undrafted but have looked impressive at times. The Rams are likely to keep three of these five players active.

Expectations
I’m a Trevon Young fan. I’m excited to see his game develop now with a year of NFL experience under his belt. He is also putting his old 2015 Music City Bowl hip injury further in the rearview mirror. If he makes as many plays as he did last preseason, he has a nice shot of making the cut.

Chances of Making Final Roster (5/10)
Fowler and Matthews will see limited or no time during the preseason. Ebukam will probably sit out most of the time as well, so we should have plenty of looks at Young and his competition. Young should be able to make a bunch of plays just as he did during the 2018 preseason, but he will need to approach a level of technical mastery where the coaching staff will be able to trust him in spells against starting NFL tackles. If he does, he’ll at least be a practice squad guy.

And maybe more.
 

BonifayRam

Legend
Joined
Jan 14, 2013
Messages
13,435
Name
Vernon
https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2019/...ter-preview-depth-chart-olb-justin-lawler-smu
Los Angeles Rams roster preview: OLB Justin Lawler tries to motor his way into 2019

With plenty of competition, Lawler faces an uphill battle to make the final cut in 2019.

By Skye Sverdlin@Skyeattolah Jul 20, 2019, 9:00am CDT
1127215012.jpg.0.jpg
Photo by
Wikipedia says that Los Angeles Rams outside linebacker Justin Lawler is related to legendary Los Angeles Clippers play-by-play guy man Ralph Lawler. Just “related.” No further detail is provided. Perhaps they’re twin brothers. Ralph is famous for inventing “Lawler’s Law” that holds that the first team to 100 on a basketball court will win the game as well as erupting with a satisfied “BINGO!” whenever the Clips hits a three-pointer.

The Rams are not expecting such impactful contributions from a 7th-round 2018 NFL Draft pick, but throughout training camp and the preseason last year Justin Lawler just wouldn’t go away. We spoke of John Franklin-Myers, Ogbonnia Okoronkwo, and Samson Ebukam, yet that Lawler guy kept popping up play after play. And he made the 53-man roster last year.

Last season, Lawler played on about half of the Rams’ special teams plays and saw limited action as an EDGE in a few games amounting to a 66.1 PFF grade. He has a good engine that makes up for his moderate speed, but will he make the cut again in 2019?

Roster Battle
Barring injuries, finding a home on the edge of the Rams’ pass rush could be tricky for Lawler this year. Dante Fowler, Jr., will start as one of the Rams’ outside backers. Opposite Fowler the competition could be stiff between Clay Matthews (who could potentially spend some time inside as well), Ogbonnia Okoronkwo, and last year’s starter Samson Ebukam. Whoever doesn’t start immediately adds to the position’s depth alongside Morgan Fox who will be back. Then there’s second-year linebacker Trevon Young who made a few plays last season as well. All in all, it could be quite difficult for Lawler to leapfrog so much competition for a roster spot this time around, but he does seem like a strong practice squad candidate.

Expectations
While Fowler and Matthews will rest for almost the entire preseason, Lawler should get plenty of snaps where he’ll try his best to make it impossible for the Rams to cut him. But the expectation should be for him to hang around as a practice squader and be ready should anyone go down.

Chances of Making Roster (2/10)
The Rams have brought in so many possibilities to man the EDGE positions that there’s a logjam that will be really tough to break. Good luck to Justin Lawler as he tries to buck the odds in 2019.

BINGO!
 

Memento

Your (Somewhat) Friendly Neighborhood Authoress.
Joined
Jul 30, 2010
Messages
16,889
Name
Jemma
They're selling Lawler rather short. Fox is going to be with the defensive ends, which leaves Lawler to compete with Okoronkwo, Young, and Carraway.

I think that Okoronkwo - if healthy - could be a solid rotational piece. He's not big or particularly fast, but he's got a hell of a lot of pass-rushing moves.

Young, on the other hand, is all athleticism, but he hasn't put it together because of numerous injuries. If he's healthy, I could see him getting snaps. Either way, I think he makes the team.

As for Lawler? Yes, he was a seventh round pick, but he has a high motor, played an enormous role on special teams last year, and he's big enough to fill a defensive end role. I think that he makes the team over Carraway for those reasons.
 

So Ram

Legend
Camp Reporter
Joined
Jun 18, 2014
Messages
14,059
https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2019/...ter-preview-depth-chart-olb-justin-lawler-smu
Los Angeles Rams roster preview: OLB Justin Lawler tries to motor his way into 2019

With plenty of competition, Lawler faces an uphill battle to make the final cut in 2019.

By Skye Sverdlin@Skyeattolah Jul 20, 2019, 9:00am CDT
1127215012.jpg.0.jpg
Photo by
Wikipedia says that Los Angeles Rams outside linebacker Justin Lawler is related to legendary Los Angeles Clippers play-by-play guy man Ralph Lawler. Just “related.” No further detail is provided. Perhaps they’re twin brothers. Ralph is famous for inventing “Lawler’s Law” that holds that the first team to 100 on a basketball court will win the game as well as erupting with a satisfied “BINGO!” whenever the Clips hits a three-pointer.

The Rams are not expecting such impactful contributions from a 7th-round 2018 NFL Draft pick, but throughout training camp and the preseason last year Justin Lawler just wouldn’t go away. We spoke of John Franklin-Myers, Ogbonnia Okoronkwo, and Samson Ebukam, yet that Lawler guy kept popping up play after play. And he made the 53-man roster last year.

Last season, Lawler played on about half of the Rams’ special teams plays and saw limited action as an EDGE in a few games amounting to a 66.1 PFF grade. He has a good engine that makes up for his moderate speed, but will he make the cut again in 2019?

Roster Battle
Barring injuries, finding a home on the edge of the Rams’ pass rush could be tricky for Lawler this year. Dante Fowler, Jr., will start as one of the Rams’ outside backers. Opposite Fowler the competition could be stiff between Clay Matthews (who could potentially spend some time inside as well), Ogbonnia Okoronkwo, and last year’s starter Samson Ebukam. Whoever doesn’t start immediately adds to the position’s depth alongside Morgan Fox who will be back. Then there’s second-year linebacker Trevon Young who made a few plays last season as well. All in all, it could be quite difficult for Lawler to leapfrog so much competition for a roster spot this time around, but he does seem like a strong practice squad candidate.

Expectations
While Fowler and Matthews will rest for almost the entire preseason, Lawler should get plenty of snaps where he’ll try his best to make it impossible for the Rams to cut him. But the expectation should be for him to hang around as a practice squader and be ready should anyone go down.

Chances of Making Roster (2/10)
The Rams have brought in so many possibilities to man the EDGE positions that there’s a logjam that will be really tough to break. Good luck to Justin Lawler as he tries to buck the odds in 2019.

BINGO!

Well this is the guy last TC that piped out. He was actually taking 1st string snaps. Of course there were a bunch of injuries.
Clay Mathews signing will really hurt his chances, plus OO is back & healthy.
He is a big guy though & pursues The QB well. I think he is underrated & might be picked up by another team at least??
 

BonifayRam

Legend
Joined
Jan 14, 2013
Messages
13,435
Name
Vernon
They're selling Lawler rather short. Fox is going to be with the defensive ends, which leaves Lawler to compete with Okoronkwo, Young, and Carraway.

I think that Okoronkwo - if healthy - could be a solid rotational piece. He's not big or particularly fast, but he's got a hell of a lot of pass-rushing moves.

Young, on the other hand, is all athleticism, but he hasn't put it together because of numerous injuries. If he's healthy, I could see him getting snaps. Either way, I think he makes the team.

As for Lawler? Yes, he was a seventh round pick, but he has a high motor, played an enormous role on special teams last year, and he's big enough to fill a defensive end role. I think that he makes the team over Carraway for those reasons.
Justin Lawler might be heading for some action @ the 5 tech due to his size. JL has some real good smarts & plays the run & fighting through-traffic rather well. JL does not make many mistakes & Bones really likes him. If Hager gets cut then I would bet that JL lands a spot on the final 53.
 

BonifayRam

Legend
Joined
Jan 14, 2013
Messages
13,435
Name
Vernon
https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2019/...pth-chart-ogbonnia-okoronkwo-edge-depth-chart

Rams roster preview: EDGE Ogbonnia Okoronkwo to factor


After a redshirt rookie season, “Ogbo” could be a force for Defensive Coordinator Wade Phillips.

By Sosa Kremenjas@QBsMVP Jul 24, 2019, 11:00am CDT

911908310.jpg.0.jpg
Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images
When it comes to pass rushers, the NFL is in high demand. Every team can use assistance when it comes to their pass rush, and the Los Angeles Rams are not exempt in that regard.

That’s where 2018 NFL Draft fifth-round pick edge Ogbonnia Okoronkwo comes into the picture. Ogbo was a highly regarded edge rusher in college with the Oklahoma Sooners earning first-round pre-draft grades by some evaluators. Unfortunately for Ogbo, he dropped to day three of the draft. Then he was placed on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list before his rookie season started, and essentially missed the entire year due to a foot surgery dating back to May.

Roster Battle
The roster battle at the edge spot is going to be an interesting one as we head into training camp and the preseason. The starters are entrenched, and those guys are veteran Clay Matthews and re-signee Dante Fowler Jr. Outside of those two, playing time is plentiful for whichever guy wants to step up and grab it from the group which contains Samson Ebukam, Ogbo, Trevon Young (roster preview), Justin Lawler (roster preview), and potentially even John Franklin-Myers (who may or may not be lining up more as an interior defensive lineman).

Expectations
For a guy who has yet to play any real NFL snaps, the expectations for Ogbo are probably greater than most. The pressure of needing to perform immediately wont remain as the Rams were able to solve the edge spots in free agency with the addition of Matthews and re-signing of Fowler, though there is a belief that Ogbo could surprise with his productivity and physical build.

Dude’s yoked!

Chances of making the final roster (7.5/10)
Unless something goes terribly wrong for Okoronkwo, he’s likely to land on the 53-man active roster. Ogbo could be the first in line for snaps off the bench, though that’ll be determined by his preseason performances as Ebukam has two years of experience at this point.
 

oldnotdead

Legend
Joined
May 16, 2019
Messages
5,384
Personally I think Lawler is a bad fit for this scheme. He lacks overall length you want in a DE as well as the speed to consistently pressure the QB in passing situations. He isn't athletic enough to play OLB in both speed and agility. At best he's a first and maybe second down situational player against a run heavy team.

Obo I think is going to be a situational pass rusher opposite Fowler. I can see them playing JFM early downs and Obo rotating in on passing downs to give them a better pass rusher. When I watch film of Obo, I see a fairly polished player in his pass rushing. He uses his long arms to his advantage by not allowing the blocker to get into his body. He lacks long speed as evidence by his pedestrian 40 time, but he has a very good first step with good overall quickness. He dropped in the draft because of his height and poor 40 time, but he has very long arms with a great 80" wingspan giving him a good play radius. He projected as strictly a 4-3 DE prior to the draft which is exactly how the Ram DE position is played. He's bulked up by 13 lbs in the Ram weight room. I'm expecting good things from him. I do not see him as a Fowler replacement, rather as a complimentary piece in the pass rush.

I like JFM I simply don't see him as the kind of pass rusher they need opposite Fowler on passing downs. Overall I thin JFM will be a better run stopper than Brockers. Brockers has problems at times setting a hard edge. That is why teams have no problem running right at him. They ran with success at him inside and outside. I think we are going to see a lot more of JFM this season. He seems to be a very disruptive type of player. If he can develop some counters in his pass rush he could become pretty good IMO. He needs more than a straight bull rush in the NFL.
 

BonifayRam

Legend
Joined
Jan 14, 2013
Messages
13,435
Name
Vernon
https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2019/...rusher-depth-chart-clay-matthews-dante-fowler

2019 Los Angeles Rams roster preview
OLB Samson Ebukam eager to live on the edge


Is Ebukam’s third year the charm?

By EddieP@iAmEddieP_ Jul 25, 2019, 2:06pm CDT

usa_today_11359142.0.jpg
Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Los Angeles Rams EDGE Samson Ebukam entered the 2018 season as a clear-cut starter with plenty of expectations after serving in a reserved role as a backup during his rookie year.

Flash forward to the end of the 2018 season with three sacks and three forced fumbles, and Ebukam did not perform up to expectations.

Will Samson’s development halt where it stands now, or will he continue to progress at terrorizing opposing quarterbacks?

Roster Battle
The Rams added veteran pass rusher Clay Matthews from the Green Bay Packers in free agency. While not the sack master he was once, Clay does provide more pass rush talent than Ebukam. The question will be if Defensive Coordinator Wade Phillips prefers Matthews to play the weakside where he might take snaps away from EDGE Dante Fowler, Jr., or the strongside where he could cut into Ebukam’s playing time.

There’s also the potential battle of Ebukam fending off any rising depth from the edge. EGDE Ogbonnia Okoronkwo (roster preview) missed all of his rookie season last year, but now he’s healthy heading into training camp. Trevon Young (roster preview) and Justin Lawler (roster preview) might surprise as well and get in the mix.

Expectations
Ebukam led the Rams’ pass rushers with three flimsy sacks. Three. TRES. TROIS.

No other outside linebacker had more for the team as midseason addition Fowler had four in the entire season, but only two in his eight regular season games with us. That is piss poor outputs from our edge rushers.

In a perfect scenario, Ebukam would have more nights like 2018’s Week 11 shootout against the Kansas City Chiefs more often. The matchup was considered Samson’s “coming out party” after posting three tackles, a sack, an interception, and a fumble recovered. Performances of this ilk should be the norm for Sammy — not be considered top-tier.

Simply put: the team needs more output out of its outside rusher.

Chances of making the final roster (7/10)
Samson has a spot on the roster as long as he can get to the quarterback. He will need to improve in this aspect.
 

BonifayRam

Legend
Joined
Jan 14, 2013
Messages
13,435
Name
Vernon
https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2019/...jacksonville-jaguars-trade-new-orleans-saints

Rams roster preview: is EDGE Dante Fowler Jr., on the edge of tomorrow



In a one-year “show me” deal with the Rams, the former 3rd overall pick in the NFL Draft has to prove that he can rush/sack/repeat.

By Joey The Jerk@LaRamsRamsRams Jul 30, 2019,
1097158868.jpg.0.jpg



The Jacksonville Jaguars drafted OLB Dante Fowler, Jr., with the 3rd overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft.

His time with the Jaguars was a disappointment. Fowler has the talent to succeed, but hasn’t been able to provide the stats to seal the deal.

Once Fowler was traded to the Rams, he was able to reignite his potential as a star in this league. Even though he wasn’t getting splash plays, Fowler was still disruptive on the edge making quarterbacks uncomfortable. But with only two sacks for the Los Angeles Rams in his eight games last year and four overall, Fowler is a classic example of a player that’s much better than his numbers would suggest.

This past offseason, Fowler was signed to a one-year, $12m deal after stepping in at OLB and at least making fans believe that he could be the answer at the edge position.

Compared to players in his price range, Fowler hasn’t stood out averaging just 0.34 sacks per game and 0.38 tackles for loss per game since 2016. So, while he’s been a top OLB for the Rams, his competition on the roster has been a bit pedestrian compared to other NFL teams.

Will Fowler be able to prove that he deserves a big contract from the Rams or someone else?

Roster Battle
With contemporaries like OLB Samson Ebukam and the aging LB Clay Matthews, Fowler is the top dog at the edge. He just needs to put it all together. When a player is on the verge of being a superstar like Fowler is, their battle isn’t with any other player on the 53-man roster.

It’s with themselves.

Expectations
Sacks. More sacks.

Fowler has to turn the corner on the edge to get to the quarterback. If he’s not producing as the primary pass rusher from the edge, the Rams are going to see DL Aaron Donald increasingly isolated. Fowler simply has to do more than what he did in the regular season. He improved in the playoffs, but the front seven as a whole did. With DL Ndamukong Suh gone, Fowler has to lead the charger to bring that improved postseason pass rush into this regular season.

Chances of the making the final roster (9/10)
If he’s healthy through training camp, the guy is going to be on the 53-man roster.

Here’s some audio when he was mic’d up for the Chicago Bears game. The guy can be electric, let’s just see if he can turn it on for a bright future with the Rams.
 

BonifayRam

Legend
Joined
Jan 14, 2013
Messages
13,435
Name
Vernon

View: https://twitter.com/dlinevids1/status/1156259103527718912/video/1




https://theramswire.usatoday.com/2019/08/01/nfl-rams-dante-fowler-aaron-donald-training-camp-gurley/
Gurley: Dante Fowler is 'getting to the ball as fast as Aaron Donald'
gettyimages-1091527900.jpg


By: Cameron DaSilva |

Dante Fowler Jr. provided a boost for the Rams last season after he was acquired just before the trade deadline. He did enough to earn a one-year contract from Los Angeles for the 2019 season, a deal that will pay him up to $14 million.

He still has plenty to prove to the Rams, which is why both sides opted for a short-term deal. This season could be his best yet, having a full offseason to work with his new team rather than coming over mid-season. Todd Gurley expects big things from Fowler in 2019 after seeing what he’s done in training camp.

Speaking with Steve Smith on Thursday, Gurley was asked to pick his breakout player of the season for the Rams. He went with Fowler, paying the pass rusher a huge compliment.

“Dante Fowler. I know we signed him back on a one-year, we might need to go ahead and get him again,” Gurley said. “He’s been a new animal. He’s been getting to the ball as fast as Aaron Donald, so that tells you a lot about him.”

That’s some seriously high praise coming from Gurley, who gets to watch Fowler firsthand every day in practice. Fowler has been working hard on his pass-rush moves this offseason, staying after practice to get in reps with Rob Havenstein.

After practice ended for @RamsNFL veterans, OLB Dante Fowler and RT Rob Havenstein found some space to put in extra one-on-one work. pic.twitter.com/qt7eHUkXhC

— J.B. Long (@JB_Long) July 29, 2019

He’s also improving his technique, staying tight around the edge to get to the quarterback more quickly.

Dante Fowler working stab/club on the hoop with coach at Training Camp. Finishes with the reach. The strip/sacks come off that finish by @dantefowler! #LARams

via @rams pic.twitter.com/r3SNg2AMMi

— DLineVids (@dlinevids1) July 30, 2019

A breakout year for the former No. 3 overall pick would be a welcome sight for the Rams after giving him a contract worth up to $14 million this offseason. They desperately need a complement to Aaron Donald off the edge, taking pressure off No. 99 on the interior.

If Fowler can be that guy, Les Snead, Sean McVay and Wade Phillips will be thrilled.
 

Merlin

Enjoying the ride
Rams On Demand Sponsor
Joined
May 8, 2014
Messages
37,047
Justin Lawler might be heading for some action @ the 5 tech due to his size. JL has some real good smarts & plays the run & fighting through-traffic rather well. JL does not make many mistakes & Bones really likes him. If Hager gets cut then I would bet that JL lands a spot on the final 53.

The prob is 5T is loaded. If Lawler starts getting looks there it means he's not gonna make the cut.