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theramswire.usatoday.com]
By: Jake Ellenbogen | July 14, 2016 11:00 pm ET
Right now the Rams are in the midst of building a special defense, much to the credit of head coach Jeff Fisher, general manager Les Snead and the defensive mastermind Gregg Williams.
Williams has mainly used two linebackers the majority of the time and has shown he will throw in another as a pass rusher from time to time. Akeem Ayers, who is familiar with both Williams and Fisher from his time with the Tennessee Titans, has been the situational pass rusher and extra linebacker.
Ayers plays at 6-foot-3 and 255 pounds. He moves relatively well for a player his size, and will be asked to cover tight ends like a normal linebacker, but at the same time he provides another threat to blitz. The 27-year old has accumulated 13.5 sacks in his career, and in his first season with the Rams recorded just 0.5, but was active in the coverage and tackling departments.
The Rams linebacker is set to become a free agent in 2017 and as we’ve brought up before, the Rams really need to save their money so they can re-sign a few of their main guys. If Ayers asks for more than he signed for, the Rams probably can’t bring him back to town. Luckily, regardless of whether he returns or not, there is another linebacker waiting to take over.
Cameron Lynch was a special teams standout last year and showed off his crazy speed and quickness. He very well may prove to be the perfect mold for a defense coached by Williams. With Lynch’s speed he could be a situational pass rusher, but also has the ability to thrive in coverage. He is only 22 years old and is just waiting for his chance to shine.
Why Cameron Lynch’s future with the Rams is bright
The Rams would be wise to let the former Syracuse Orangeman become the third linebacker. I know very well the Rams just drafted a linebacker in Kentucky’s Josh Forrest, and while this may not be reassuring for him, Lynch has already proven on the field that he deserves more reps. While Forrest hasn’t had his chance to prove anything yet, we already know what Lynch may be capable of at the NFL level.
I previously wrote about Lynch, and believe he could be really dynamic in Williams’ attacking 4-3 scheme. With his crazy athleticism, he could not only step in for Ayers, but he could offer more production due to the fact that he’s the quicker of the two.
It is vital for the Rams to survive the offseason re-signing process, as they can’t afford to lose their No. 1 cornerback, their star running back, elite defensive tackle and young wide receiver. They have spent way too many picks to let those players go. Unfortunately, the Rams will have to cut their losses on some of these players to prepare for a future that includes re-signing multiple key players. This is exactly why Lynch should by all accounts be the next man up.
