Quote
Billy_T
Right now, I think the Rams' D is weakest at FS. They're basically three deep at Strong Safety, with three talented thumpers, Barron, Alexander and McDonald. The first two can and do play linebacker as well. But the Rams still lack a true center-fielder with great recovery speed, instincts, cover abilities, etc.
DE is the other spot. Hayes is solid, but getting older. Sims, IMO, should be cut (in the offseason) for one too many bone-headed personal fouls. Longacre has try-hard intangibles, but is limited physically. Westbrook is similar to Longacre, though a bit bigger. They need to find a bigger kamikaze DE who can do what Quinn does from the other side. They need a stronger version of Quinn, with as close to "elite" athleticism as they can find. Last year, I wanted them to pick Danielle Hunter, perhaps the most freakish athlete in the 2015 draft, and he's now doing well for the Vikings. They got him in the 3rd round, and he turns 22 later this month, which tells me he's got Pro Bowls in his future.
As in, they can find that kind of player, even without a #1.
Other spots that would help: Another DT, big enough, wide enough, strong enough to tie up blockers so Donald moves freely; a true outside linebacker, so the Rams don't have to play their safeties there unless they want to.
The Rams are very close to elite, potentially, IMO.
I think that the Rams are happy with both Westbrook and Longacre, Billy. As backups, that is.
I agree that this might be Sims' last year as a Ram. They will probably have a DE very high on their draft wish list. A future replacement for Hayes, iow.
But LB? I think that they're pretty happy with Forrest for those 35% of snaps that they even have a 3rd LB on the field. I must admit that he has pleasantly surprised me.
On paper, we look like we might need a deep S. And yet, the guys seem to be making the plays, huh? Davis REALLY impressed me with that pass defended vs the Cards which deprived them of a TD. Didn't know Davis was capable of that play which required instincts as well as athleticism. And Mo just keeps improving plus has such versatility for GW.
It's waaaaay early for draft talk, but based on what I've seen through the first 4 games, I suspect that Snead will be targeting BPA at DE or WR at the top of our draft.
