How will Rams DC Brandon Staley deploy 4 rookies on D?

How will LA Rams DC Brandon Staley deploy 4 rookies on D?

[ramblinfan.com]

The LA Rams‘ first draft for their new defensive coordinator Brandon Staley is in the history books. Of the nine players chosen in the draft, the Rams selected four offensive players, four defensive players, and one special teams’ player. Will that give Staley enough talent to work with as he congeals his defense for 2020? Or said more simply, is there every enough of a good thing?

Perhaps not when it comes to the number of rookies added from the NFL Draft. But LA Rams DC Staley knew as the team headed into the 2020 NFL Draft that no matter his needs, the team would take care of head coach Sean McVay’s offense first. After all, the Rams parted ways to two talented skill players from the offense in the offseason. So the team likely had already decided to focus upon replacing both of those players first

Defense addressed in round three

After those two needs were addressed, the team could then turn towards the defensive side of the ball. While the team lost starters, the defensive depth was far more robust. In fact, many players on the defensive side of the ball already earned defensive snaps as part of their rotation.

Many post-draft evaluations were positive, as the Rams seemed to find solid fits for their needs. But what about the views of the coaching staff themselves? It just so happened that Stu Jackson at Therams.com posted a recent article about the LA Rams’ new defensive coordinator’s views about his share of the 2020 NFL Draft class.

Round 3, pick 84

When the LA Rams used the 84th pick of the 2020 NFL Draft to select Terrell Lewis, an outside linebacker from the University of Alabama, it was as though the Rams had an extra second-round pick. In many mock drafts, Lewis came off the board long before the Rams stepped up to make a selection. Yet somehow, in the actual draft, Lewis fell past the Rams twice before the team finally chose him at 84.

I would have been delighted if the Rams had chosen him at 52, so the euphoria when they picked Lewis at 84 was pretty noticeable. After all, the guy is ripped at 6-foot-4 and 262 pounds. He has an amazing wingspan and can play in a two-point or three-point stance. When he was on the field, he flashed NFL-edge-rusher brilliance. When he was injured, he wasn’t on the field. And there was the reason he dropped to the Rams in round three.

Post-selection impressions

Ramblin Fan contributor Larry Brake feels that the LA Rams may have found their pass-rusher of the future. Contributor Manuel Harari loved the pick, despite Tyler Biadasz still on the board at that selection. Finally, contributor Noah Schlaebitz believes Lewis will fall somewhere between veteran Justin Houston or Nick Perry.

What about Brandon Staley? From the Stu Jackson article, he had this to say:

“I think you guys are probably aware of his talent. His talent is not indicative of where he was drafted, but we’re excited about the skill set he brings to the table, and hopefully, we can get his best football. I think it’s still ahead of him. I think he’s still a developing player, but from a skillset standpoint, he’s what you’re looking for in an outside rusher.”

Keep in mind that Staley has deep experience with excellent NFL outside linebackers. So Lewis will likely be a very good one.

Round 3, pick 104

With the 104th pick of the 2020 NFL Draft, the LA Rams selected Terrell Burgess, safety, from the University of Utah. Well, the draft profile claims safety, but the defensive back is a better category. While Burgess did not appear in pre-draft mocks specifically for the LA Rams, he certainly did show up in a number of complimentary pre-draft profiles. Standing 5-foot-11 and tipping the scales at 200-pounds, Burgess possesses a good “tweener” size, a build that will allow him to succeed at either safety or cornerback.

His college background included both. Based on that alone, Burgess entered the 2020 NFL Draft as a versatile prospect as either a cornerback, a slot corner, or safety. So it’s really no surprise that he was the second player added to the Rams defense. After all, the team stressed versatility and flexibility in the pre-draft rhetoric. Burgess delivers on all fronts.

Post-selection impressions

Ramblin’ Fan contributor Manuel Harari loved the selection, describing his skillset like a hand fitting into a glove. Larry Brake also loved the pick, projecting the Rams starting safeties as Burgess and Taylor Rapp as early as 2021. Contributor Noah Schlaebitz projects Terrell Burgess’ NFL career to fall somewhere between that of veterans Tyrann Mathieu and Jabrill Peppers.

What are Brandon Staley’s thoughts about Burgess? He had quite a bit to say about him, and all were very positive comments, as cited by Stu Jackson’s interview:

“Really formed good relationships with his college coaches, who I have a very high opinion of. (They had) like nine players drafted, they were the number two defense in the country. This guy played everywhere for them. I think he’s a safety to start, but he can play nickel (defensive back). He’s a 4.4 guy who’s got movement, and so I think we can activate him in some different roles.”

Now seeing Coach Staley’s comments, he could be the first backup safety off the bench for the Rams this year. It’s clear that Staley has plenty in store for Burgess.

Round 6, pick 199

WIth the 199th pick of the 2020 NFL Draft, the LA Rams added another defensive back, this time it was Jordan Fuller, safety, from Ohio State University. The LA Rams lost two significant defensive backs this off-season. The first was the retirement of veteran safety Eric Weddle. The second loss happened when the Rams chose not to pick up the last year of Nickell Robey-Coleman’s contract. While the roster has replacements for both, that means that others are needed to take over those newly vacated roster spots. Thus the Rams selected two defensive backs in the draft.

Fuller was a player mocked to 0 he Rams but in the fourth-round. That’s because the 6-foot-2 203-pound prospect had both safety and cornerback college experience, and he demonstrated great character and a solid work ethic. He was a two-time team captain for the Buckeyes’ defense, a rare event in their history. And after 212 college tackles and five interceptions, he’s ready to go pro.

Post-selection impressions

Ramblin’ Fan contributor Manuel Harari noticed a dip in Fuller’s performance his senior season but believes fans will appreciate his football IQ. While Larry Brake was satisfied with the pick, he pointed out that both J.R. Reed out of Georgia and Josh Metellus out of Michigan were both still on the board when the Rams drafted Fuller. Finally, Noah Schlaebitz set the career projection for Fuller somewhere between veterans Kurt Coleman and special teamer Daren Bates.

What about Staley? From the Stu Jackson article, he spoke briefly about Fuller:

“Two-time captain at Ohio State. I mean, you’re talking about the premiere program in the country, two-time captain and he’s only one of 14 guys that’s ever been that. (Former Ohio State co-defensive coordinator) Jeff Hafley, we have a good relationship with him and he’s just been raving about this guy. He’s proven that so far in these meetings. We’re excited to work with him.”

The character of Fuller seemed to have made an impression upon Staley. Staley is just in his first season, so advice from trusted friends will be at an all-time high this year. Fuller will benefit from those strong endorsements.

Round 7, pick 234

Finally, with the 234th pick of the 2020 NFL Draft, the LA Rams added their first linebacker by selecting Clay Johnston, inside linebacker, from Baylor University. Many expected interior linebackers to be selected prior to round seven, but the Rams had limited draft picks and more urgent roster needs. By round seven, the team was ready to roster the middle of the defense, and there was a highly productive but recently injured Johnston.

He is 6-foot-1 and weighs in at 227-pounds. He’s a highly talented linebacker, perhaps one of the reasons for the Baylor Bears’ football team’s quick rise to national prominence. He made plays, directed traffic, and was always moving, thinking, and working on defense to make plays. But he suffered an injury in a season where medical flags were enough to drop talented prospects right out of the draft. So the news of his selection came after he had accepted the belief that he would not be drafted, and his reaction was legendary.

Post-selection impressions

Ramblin’ Fan contributor Larry Brake truly liked the pick. Not only did he see Johnston as better than his round seven selection might suggest, he even stated that Johnston would push hard for playing time this year. That sentiment was echoed by retired safety Eric Weddle. Noah Schlaebitz projects Johnston’s professional career somewhere between veterans Danny Trevathan and Bryce Hager.

What about Staley? From the Stu Jackson article, he spoke briefly about linebacker Johnston:

“He’s probably going to be known for his reaction to being drafted for now, but hopefully we’ll be getting him to playing some good football. But just the makeup, being a coach’s son, being part of that transformation of Baylor and that team becoming a national program, he’s an impressive guy to talk football with and hopefully we can get his knee healthy.”

Staley is not an easy guy to impress with football knowledge. But Johnston already has. That will open the door for Johnston to remain with the team – whether active roster or practice squad. The difference-maker? Will Johnston be ready to step onto the field for training camp later this month? We’ll learn the answer to that one in less than three weeks.