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tonyde
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tonyde
I doubt he's a Ram in 2018. When it comes down to it, their not going to want to pay a 215 lb Safety 10 million a year to play LB. He's limited as a LB and that won't change.
This is a one-gap 3/4 with the stress on attacking gaps, not taking on guards. So on paper anyway it should work. Look at Arizona. Last year, with converted safety Deone Bucannon at one ILB spot, the Arz defense was 2nd in the league in yards allowed, 9th against the run, and 3rd in yards per rushing attempt. So starting Bucannon at ILB did not hurt them any. Barron has basically the same size and profile as Bucannon.
At the combine Burcannon was 6'0" & 211 pounds.
If Barron can't play, it's him, not the idea or the position. So maybe he does not live up to billing as a player, but the idea is sound---there is already evidence you can use a converted safety at ILB in a 1-gap scheme.
I know what the defense it. I know Barron does a few things very well, but I think the chances are slim that he plays well enough at ILB to pay the what his contract calls for. And don't forget Ogletree is due a big contract too...
I think the chances are GOOD he plays that well.
But now it's just 2 different votes in an informal poll, way in advance of seeing how it actually looks.
If he doesn't work out I will obviously say so, but as of right now, I am optimistic about it.
I will say this. The Rams do not lack for LB candidates. There are a number of youngsters from last year who weigh in in the 230s (which is basically the same as half the Denver ILBs). Phillips manufactures these guys out of nothing so I am not worried, even if Barron doesn't live up to my May 2017 optimism for him.
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