As Joe Barry said he came to the team as their 5th ILB this year. So he carved out a spot on ST and played very well there. But he was pretty specific- in late January- about his future as a starting ILB.
In his draft video he's described as "a tackling machine", "rugged", "superb instincts". Somehwat limited athletically. "Old school inside linebacker that would come off the field on 3rd downs." "Kiser's impressive production didn't happen on accident and teams will have to weigh his consistent ability to make plays with his modest athletic ability and overall play speed. Kiser is a banger built to play inside the box, but he has limited range and may not offer much coverage ability."
NFL.com Draft videoThis is a guy that had 394 tackles, 19 sacks and 33 TFL in 3 years as a starter for a good program in college.
But the thing is, Kiser won't be handed anything. As of today 3 of their 5 ILBs have now been released or are UFA. There will be others added to Littleton and Kiser. The Rams don't know who will present themselves available in free agency or the draft that is good value for them. They will add talent there but it's not a spot they are going to go spend $10M. Maybe also someone like Ramik Wilson returns under another one-year deal.
A long way to go. He
could start. He has ability and now a year under his belt with the team. And what they need is really that two-down run defending ILB. And he's 25 lbs. heavier than Barron. But no one is setting in stone that he
will start.
But personally, I hope he earns it and does start....
Edited 4 time(s). Last edit at 03/07/2019 03:04AM by LMU93.
