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- Jan 16, 2013
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- Dennis
Fox was being moved to OLB and I was anxious to see the transition, however, with the his injury along with Okoronkwo’ s foot surgery and rehab taking him into training camp, will the Rams look to sign a veteran at OLB like Junior Galette for example or bring back Connor Barwin? Or are the Rams set to go to camp with the following options:
Matt Longacre….Longacre is also coming back from injury so I’m sure his play will be monitored and Longacre did showcase the ability to make plays in a small sample size, but will he be 100% and be able to handle the extended playing time moving forward? Longacre does have a great motor and has been a nice find as an UDRFA out of Northwest Missouri State, but again, the rehab and the extended playing time might expose the back yard hopeful.
Samson Ebukam….When Ebukam’ s name was announced by Hall of Famer Jackie Slater last season on draft day in the 4th round, I like others were like, who? Eastern Washinton? Oh, they must of noticed him when scouting Cooper Kupp. Well, Ebukam was a pleasant surprise last season and did showcase the ability to rush the passer and hold the edge against the run, but again, in limited playing time. Ebukam is one of the key to the success because with the interior defensive line strength, Ebukam must prove the Pointer Sisters right and create fire and kiss the opposing Quarterbacks on a consistent basis.
Trevon Young….This is one of my favorites and I really liked the youngster more after watching his interview, as Young has faced adversity having hip surgery after being a stud pass rusher for the Louisville Cardinals, however, that surgery is a long rehab and Young was just starting to come back into his own at the end of last season. The injuries opens the door for Young and my hope that he can take advantage and seize the day because the Rams will need somebody to showcase the ability to put constant pressure on the Quarterback when called upon.
Ejuan Price…Now as tough as I have been on Price dismissing him because again at Pittsburgh, he was not the most durable player, but playing the role of a designated pass rusher, might be the perfect fit for this former Panther. Price does have pass rush ability and at times, it did seem that he belonged, so again with Okoronkwo working his way back, Price will have a chance to shock us all and showcase why Price had 24.5 sacks in his last two years at Pitt.
Garrett Sickels….That’s right, I’m posting this name as he was a late addition to the practice squad and the Rams brought back the former Nittany Lion. Sickels led the Big Ten with 43 Quarterback Pressures, however, is better when he is freed up to not engage with tackles and most likely at this level will be a pass rush specialist.
Brain Womac….Many of you know I visit Texas every year (having family in the Dallas/Fort Worth area) and have an affinity for Rice University as you are a true student athlete at this fine university in Houston. Womac is going to be easy to root for in training camp because he has a nonstop motor and most likely will be the first one on the playing field and the last one off….Does have some pass rush skills and some ability to drop back in coverage, however, has limitations and did not run well at his pro day because of having the flu, so bad timing to be under the weather, but again, he could impress special team coach John Fassel enough to get noticed.
So there you have it, now the Rams might mix and match and they might bring in a veteran that could change the mix, but to this point, this is how OLB’s look heading to the next OTA and things could change drastically before actual training camp because you also have mandatory minicamp June 12-14th so many of us feel this is an area to put under the microscope because somebody will have to rise to the occasion with last year starters Quinn & Barwin not on the roster.
