McVay likes what he’s seen from John Franklin-Myers...

Sean McVay likes what he's seen from rookie John Franklin-Myers

Cameron DaSilva

[theramswire.usatoday.com]

With no first- or second-round picks in the 2018 NFL Draft, expectations for the Los Angeles Rams’ rookie class have been set relatively low. Combine that with the fact that they took offensive linemen with their first two picks – both of whom are unlikely to start as rookies – and it’s easy to overlook the incoming group of first-year players.

With such a stacked roster on both sides of the ball, it’ll be a big surprise if any rookies are in the starting lineup Week 1. However, they’re bound to be contributors at some point, even if they’re deemed starters by title.


John Franklin-Myers, for one, is already impressing Sean McVay in training camp. The fourth-round pick out of Stephen F. Austin ran with the first-team defense on Friday, presumably at defensive tackle with Aaron Donald not in attendance. Based on reports, though, he also ran with the first-team defense at outside linebacker opposite Samson Ebukam.

Here’s what McVay said about Franklin-Myers after practice on Friday:

“Yeah, he’s really a guy throughout the whole offseason that he’s shown the ability to move across the front. He’s got a natural rush ability, he can really work edges on people. He’s a bigger guy but he’s got some fluidity in his hips and he knows how to use his length,” McVay said.

“I think he’s getting more and more comfortable, but you certainly feel John on defense and he’s got a good demeanor. He’s done a nice job getting better and like we said, I think especially with those guys up front, really it’ll be great to get the pads on here in a couple days when you can truly evaluate them.”

Myers can play a variety of positions, from 5-technique defensive end to Donald’s defensive tackle spot to stand-up edge rusher. At 6-foot-4, 283 pounds, he’s on the bigger side for an outside linebacker, but he’s a guy who can set the edge and really take on right tackles and tight ends on the strong side.

The Rams will probably try him out at several positions throughout camp, but seeing him at defensive tackle a lot wouldn’t be surprising with Donald’s absence. One possibility with Donald out is kicking Michael Brockers inside to nose tackle, moving Ndamukong Suh to his more natural 3-technique spot and having Franklin-Myers rush as the defensive end.

His versatility gives the Rams a lot of options, and he’s definitely a player to keep an eye on throughout camp – especially as long as Donald holds out.