How does Dante Fowler Jr. impact Obo Okoronkwo, Rams' depth chart?
Cameron DaSilva
[
theramswire.usatoday.com]
After an offseason filled with big trades and signings, the Los Angeles Rams continued their aggressive pursuit of a Super Bowl before Tuesday’s trade deadline. They acquired Dante Fowler Jr. from the Jacksonville Jaguars for two draft picks, solidifying their already-strong pass rush.
The move came as no surprise with Sean McVay admitting one day prior that the Rams were looking at edge rushers without naming names. Fowler, having his fifth-year option declined by Jacksonville, was an obvious target.
His arrival gives Los Angeles yet another former first-round pick on defense, driving the total up to seven. Assuming he’ll be a starter right away, this will have a significant impact on the depth chart and possibly one player in particular.
Here’s how the depth chart looks with Fowler added to the mix.
OLB Samson Ebukam John Franklin-Myers Justin Lawler
OLB Dante Fowler Jr. Matt Longacre Trevon Young
One name missing from that group is Ogbonnia Okoronkwo, who’s been practicing with the Rams but hasn’t yet been activated. The Rams have until next Monday to make a decision on the rookie, either adding him to the active roster or keeping him on IR for the entirety of this season.
McVay said the Rams are still undecided as of now, but prior to the Fowler trade, it seemed like the logical move to take him off the PUP list and use him in the final seven games of the season. Now, that may not be the case.
The Rams already had to release one player to make room for Fowler, with that being Jamon Brown. In order to activate Okoronkwo, they’ll have to cut another. Nick Williams would seem to be the likely choice with Cooper Kupp set to return, but no move has been made as of yet.
Then, there’s the expectation that Aqib Talib and Pharoh Cooper will return from IR later this year. If Okoronkwo is activated now, he’s almost certain to remain on the 53-man roster the rest of the way, barring injury. He’s not an option to be waived later this year, no matter how much he struggles.
Not only will Fowler take away snaps from other guys like Okoronkwo, but he could prevent the rookie from being activated altogether, given the Rams’ newfound depth at the position.
