The lack of a true camp and preseason played against the UDFA showing much of anything. Also, anticipating having to stash guys on the PS they are hardly going to highlight them then subject them to waivers.
Hoecht is better than SJD for a variety of reasons but the primary one is breaking down SJD's play last year. He was a huge part of the reason the defense was soft in the middle. He was consistently blown off the LOS on run plays by a single blocker. He has never shown the ability to shed blocks with anything near consistency. He also lacks an explosive first step which all NT's require. Hoecht has shown in his game films that he has a very good first step. He's also stronger than SJD with much better hand technique.
SJD's problem is that he's a big man who doesn't play big. He consistently allows the OG or center to get to his body and when that happens he can't shed and is forced backward or to the side off the LOS. He only has his bull rush but without being explosive off the snap and good hand play to keep the blocker off his body he sucks in run defense and is only marginally better in his pass rush. He benefits from AD setting him up to make plays in the pass rush more than creating those plays with his own talent. Why do you think they went out and signed Robinson?
I believe their plan is to give the UDFA on the PS all the coaching and evaluation they really couldn't give them in TC. It wouldn't surprise me in the least if the 4 protected PS players were, Hoecht, Rozeboom, Moncrief, and Williams. Moncrief is out of the CFL where he had a very good 2019 season, with 73 tackles, 4 sacks, 3 INTs, and a FF. He has been timed running in the 4.5 range which is very good for an ILB.
If the Rams lose another ILB I would bet Moncrief would be made active as the replacement. I can easily see him replacing Howard next year. Rozeboom was actually a priority UDFA for a lot of teams initially. He comes from a smaller program so he's raw for this level, but his potential is clear. He has sideline to sideline speed and understands pass defense concepts, and IMO is one of the better prospects at the position that Snead has brought in as a UDFA. Williams IMO once he's coached up will end up replacing Okoronkwo who simply lacks the size and speed you want in this scheme. Okoronkwo is playing for his career this year so he really needs to show he's a good rotational OLB. He's too small and slow to play SAM so JACK is where he needs to impress. I can see 3 of these 4 potentially being moved to the active roster before the end of the season.
