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- May 9, 2018
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If the Rams wished to fill their EDGE rusher spots with veterans who are still on the market, would potentially accept a short term/affordable deal, and still have enough in the tank to factor in the pass rush, there are certainly options.
Leonard Floyd is still available. Perhaps that bridge has been burned, but if it hasn’t, maybe he’s ready to return on a more cap-friendly deal?
Yannick Ngakoue is also on the market. Clearly, he is viewed as a one-trick pony who, perhaps, is a bit of a liability against the run. Still, in this pass-happy league, you’d think he’d have a role (and he’s only 28).
There are others, including Justin Houston, Robert Quinn, Melvin Ingram, Jadeveon Clowney and Carlos Dunlap. All of these guys are past their prime, but could possibly still contribute.
The question, ultimately, though, is whether the Rams are better off giving young guys more snaps, absorbing the growing pains and learning curves, and building for the future. One could certainly argue that guys like Michael Hoecht, Byron Young, Nick Hampton, Keir Thomas and Daniel Hardy are far more likely to emerge as long-term contributors than any of the big name veterans.
My sense of things is that the youth movement is Plan A at the edge position. Perhaps, after camp and some preseason action, the team might consider bringing in a veteran if the young guys don’t appear ready. Right now, though, I think that we’re looking to develop new stars, rather than sign old ones.
Leonard Floyd is still available. Perhaps that bridge has been burned, but if it hasn’t, maybe he’s ready to return on a more cap-friendly deal?
Yannick Ngakoue is also on the market. Clearly, he is viewed as a one-trick pony who, perhaps, is a bit of a liability against the run. Still, in this pass-happy league, you’d think he’d have a role (and he’s only 28).
There are others, including Justin Houston, Robert Quinn, Melvin Ingram, Jadeveon Clowney and Carlos Dunlap. All of these guys are past their prime, but could possibly still contribute.
The question, ultimately, though, is whether the Rams are better off giving young guys more snaps, absorbing the growing pains and learning curves, and building for the future. One could certainly argue that guys like Michael Hoecht, Byron Young, Nick Hampton, Keir Thomas and Daniel Hardy are far more likely to emerge as long-term contributors than any of the big name veterans.
My sense of things is that the youth movement is Plan A at the edge position. Perhaps, after camp and some preseason action, the team might consider bringing in a veteran if the young guys don’t appear ready. Right now, though, I think that we’re looking to develop new stars, rather than sign old ones.
