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Now that the 2018 Ram defense has officially been dismantled, intrigue abounds as to what’s next. When Wade Phillips was hired, the thinking was that the 2016 Rams had a talented defense but needed a complete overhaul on offense so Wade had to teach his players how to function in the new system. While he credibly improved his unit statistically over the previous regime, the onus on Wade to make adjustments to accommodate the personnel occasionally put him at a disadvantage on gameday. The run defense frequently faltered and the coaching staff made schematic adjustments throughout the games to mitigate the damage. But his history indicates that he prefers certain qualities of his players so he can dictate to the offense what they can and cannot do. The construction of the Denver squad provides clues as to what Wade desires.
The Bronco defensive line started with Sylvester Williams in the middle flanked by Malik Jackson and Vance Walker. Had Dom Easley been healthy last year, Wade would’ve Inherited upgrades across the board. Michael Brockers was slated to man the middle and is every bit is good as Williams there but as either side that Donald wasn’t on got gashed, Brockers was moved to end to funnel the damage inside. If I dared to guess, I’d say Brockers may find himself back inside while another decent tackle is acquired to replace his position. A mid level 3/4 tackle that excels at stopping the run would make this unit pliable to Wade’s purposes. I wouldn’t expect a high dollar investment here as we will analyze where the money is more likely to be spent in the next paragraph.
Now that Quinn and Ogletree have officially been moved, let’s consider the qualities of the Bronco’s linebackers under Wade. He channeled the run toward Brandon Marshall and the stout linebacker was equal to the task Ogletree wasn’t. A middle thumper is less expensive than an outside rusher and more plentiful in the draft but is no less important. If one isn’t acquired early in free agency, look for an early draft pick to shore up the responsibility. While Barron’s contract is cause for pause, his acumen is similar to Danny Trevathan in that he plays like a safety with similar responsibilities. I’m not so sure Barron is on the block but as mentioned, finances might dictate otherwise. But it’s the lack of a D Ware and Von Miller that glares at this roster. Outside the peerless AD, the Rams lack a credible outside rush that also sets an edge in the run game. Anyone hoping Ekuban and Littleton are solutions is someone who suffers delusions only fandom can produce. My suspicion is that one high priced free agent and one high draft pick, along with two more developmental picks will be selected to man the edges.
While Marcus Peters was acquired to handle Chris Harris Jr’s ballhawking role, the Aquib Talib role of a big corner who can post up tall receivers and stop the run may be leaving in the form of Tru Johnson. Ideally, Tru can be retained reasonably but we all suspect otherwise. Perhaps the Rams trust Kayvon there but his health is the gamble. Nevertheless, the position has yet to be filled. NRC acquitted himself well in the
Bradley Roby nickel slot and should absolutely be retained. Joyner is every bit the player Darian Stewart was acquired to be so at least we are set there, as I suspect JJ III is capable of doing everything the Broncos got from Ward (without the suspension issues).
In short, the Rams will lock onto upgrades for a run stuffing tackle, a violent inside linebacker, one or two premium pass rushers, and a tall corner. The cap space has almost been cleared and the draft picks have been stocked. Let the fun begin.
The Bronco defensive line started with Sylvester Williams in the middle flanked by Malik Jackson and Vance Walker. Had Dom Easley been healthy last year, Wade would’ve Inherited upgrades across the board. Michael Brockers was slated to man the middle and is every bit is good as Williams there but as either side that Donald wasn’t on got gashed, Brockers was moved to end to funnel the damage inside. If I dared to guess, I’d say Brockers may find himself back inside while another decent tackle is acquired to replace his position. A mid level 3/4 tackle that excels at stopping the run would make this unit pliable to Wade’s purposes. I wouldn’t expect a high dollar investment here as we will analyze where the money is more likely to be spent in the next paragraph.
Now that Quinn and Ogletree have officially been moved, let’s consider the qualities of the Bronco’s linebackers under Wade. He channeled the run toward Brandon Marshall and the stout linebacker was equal to the task Ogletree wasn’t. A middle thumper is less expensive than an outside rusher and more plentiful in the draft but is no less important. If one isn’t acquired early in free agency, look for an early draft pick to shore up the responsibility. While Barron’s contract is cause for pause, his acumen is similar to Danny Trevathan in that he plays like a safety with similar responsibilities. I’m not so sure Barron is on the block but as mentioned, finances might dictate otherwise. But it’s the lack of a D Ware and Von Miller that glares at this roster. Outside the peerless AD, the Rams lack a credible outside rush that also sets an edge in the run game. Anyone hoping Ekuban and Littleton are solutions is someone who suffers delusions only fandom can produce. My suspicion is that one high priced free agent and one high draft pick, along with two more developmental picks will be selected to man the edges.
While Marcus Peters was acquired to handle Chris Harris Jr’s ballhawking role, the Aquib Talib role of a big corner who can post up tall receivers and stop the run may be leaving in the form of Tru Johnson. Ideally, Tru can be retained reasonably but we all suspect otherwise. Perhaps the Rams trust Kayvon there but his health is the gamble. Nevertheless, the position has yet to be filled. NRC acquitted himself well in the
Bradley Roby nickel slot and should absolutely be retained. Joyner is every bit the player Darian Stewart was acquired to be so at least we are set there, as I suspect JJ III is capable of doing everything the Broncos got from Ward (without the suspension issues).
In short, the Rams will lock onto upgrades for a run stuffing tackle, a violent inside linebacker, one or two premium pass rushers, and a tall corner. The cap space has almost been cleared and the draft picks have been stocked. Let the fun begin.
