OLB Leonard Floyd leads surprising LB surge in 2020...

OLB Leonard Floyd leads surprising LB surge in 2020

[ramblinfan.com]

The LA Rams are finally getting the pads on, speeding up play, and banging some big ole bodies. Of course, the who, the where, and the when are all questions so far, particularly on defense. After all, the Rams are transforming into a never-seen-before version of a 3-4 defense. Right now, the only player who has the most experience in this virgin territory on the football field? Outside linebacker Leonard Floyd, that’s who.

While still early, it’s given him quite the jump to the 2020 NFL season. So far, that’s shown up on the practice field.


A veteran like Floyd is so very important to this defense. Why is that?

Experience is a premium for 2020

Outside linebacker Leonard Floyd walks onto the football field with experience of the Staley system. That gives him a serious advantage in what to expect. As the Rams install their defense packages, that type of background is critically important to ensure defenders align properly and get auto-corrections during the games. After all, the Rams linebackers are a brand new crew.

While the Rams linebackers are starting over from scratch this season, the team has a few opportunities to exceed expectations from the linebackers room. After all, the focus of everyone so far is the loss of key players from the linebacking corps of 2019. But what about the new linebackers playing in 2020? Here are three upsides for LA Rams linebackers this year:

Upside III – ILB Kiser true starter for Rams defense.

LA Rams projected starting ILB Micah Kiser is truly a starting-caliber linebacker. Let that sink in for a moment. It’s a key to the entire Rams defense this year. Just like the Rams had confidence in Cory Littleton, which allowed them to move on from former linebacker Alec Ogletree, so too did the Rams’ confidence in Micah Kiser allow the Rams to allow veteran Littleton sell his services to the highest bidder.

Let’s state some bold facts. The Rams will work pass coverages from other players. Kiser merely needs to zone defend the middle of the field. And he does that well. But where Kiser is truly needed is that punishing enforcer in the middle of the field. He’s that guy that nobody wants to run into because they’ll walk away seeing stars. After all, he’s a 6-foot-0 244-pound fireplug with a 38-inch waist and 36-inch thighs. That’s power, sheer power.

Have Rams had a thumper like Kiser?

Kiser is a tough player to envision as a starting linebacker for the Rams because he is unlike other players to start at the position. The closest comparative match is the comparison to Green Bay Packers linebacker Blake Martinez. Martinez averages 128 tackles and 2.5 sacks per season over his four-year career so far. The Rams would love to have that sort of production out of Kiser this year.

Kiser could do those numbers. He’s a powerful linebacker playing the middle of a 3-4 defense which will have a lot of defensive backs on the field. That means he’ll see more than his share of running plays. On those plays, he will definitely be the player most responsible for the tackle on any inside rushers. Behind Donald, and hopefully Robinson this season, the Rams will get all they need out of Kiser patrolling the middle.

Upside II – OLB Lewis is athletically gifted for the edge

Rookie outside linebacker Terrell Lewis is an athletic freak who will eventually dominate from the edge. So gifted, in fact, that the projections for him start at very good and run up to elite as an NFL pass rusher. Of course, projections are crystal ball versions of the future. That can be whatever we want it to be. So let’s go with some facts:

Lewis is 6-foot-5 and weighs 262-pounds. He is just 21 years old but has a wingspan that exceeds 83-inches which is a phenomenal reach for an edge rusher. So good, in fact, are his dimensions alone that he joins rather elite company – Jadaveon Clowney. Surprisingly, that fact has not been discussed much. In fact, most reports indicate that Lewis can be good if he stays healthy. Just for chuckles, let’s assume he stays healthy. How good can he be?

Lewis’ potential just pops

Much like Clowney joining the Houston Texans in 2014 with star defensive lineman J.J. Watt, Lewis is joining the LA Rams with star defensive lineman Aaron Donald. Clowney’s first season was an injury-shortened effort, but his stock rose rapidly as he played both defensive end and outside linebacker for the Texans. Is that the route of Lewis’ career track? Perhaps, but most likely not.

The Rams like Lewis in Dante Fowler Jr.’s spot. And at two-inches taller, about ten pounds heavier, and a longer wingspan, the Rams like the chances of matching Fowler’s production down the road. Of course, Lewis will need to get some defensive snaps, and will likely see a gradually increasing number in the rotation. Even if Lewis doesn’t see much action until the second half of this NFL season, he could still put up 5.0 sacks and 30 tackles. That will be a huge plus for the Rams this year.

Upside I – Veteran Floyd knows Staley’s system

Veteran outside linebacker Leonard Floyd knows how to shine in Brandon Staley’s defense. Most of the projections for Floyd this year ignore the fact that he is so experienced with Staley and Staley with him. Compounded that underestimation, Staley is a bit of an expert at elite outside linebacker play, having coached both OLB Khalil Mack and Von Miller. So why did he settle for Leonard Floyd?

“Settling” is the first mistake. The Rams signed Floyd with a specific skill set in mind, and the team got the guy they wanted. So what are those skills? Ideally, he is the veteran outside linebacker who will be the cover guy as well as the edge setter and the pass rusher. While some had pointed out his declining sack numbers, keep in mind that the Bears picked up Mack to rush the passer. That forced Floyd to be the “other guy” on the defense.

Rams’ role for Floyd

The Rams have neither Von Miller nor Khalil Mack. That means that the primary “rusher” role is up for grabs, and will certainly feature Floyd this year. That will not only serve the team’s needs this year. But the following year, as Lewis assumes Floyd’s vacated spot, he will be the featured pass rusher for next year.

Floyd is a very cerebral player. He is a solid tactician on the field but is fundamentally solid as well. Until now, he’s been a team-first player. While he is still a team player, the move to the Rams has been his wake up call. He needs to focus on his production as well, and that will be something to look for from him this year. I’m convinced the Rams will be pleased with what develops from Floyd, and the entire linebacking group, this season.