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Deadpool
First, thats some good information. I appreciate the effort.
My issue is exactly who decided that an ILBer isn't that important? Lets look at the list:
Snead? Its not the Gms job to decide what is and what is not important. Its his job to find out what the coaching staff needs, wants and is looking for and to go out and do the best job of getting it. I doubt he said ILBers aren't important.
McVay? The OC turned HC? I seriously doubt he said ILBers are just not that important.
Wade? I'd guess it started with him, since as I recall, he never drafted a top ILBer in any of his time as a DC or HC.
Staley? He was there an entire year. 1. There was no chance to really build his defense. And if he is a Fangio disciple like I think he is, Fangio drafted Roquan Smith 8th overall when Staley was the OLB coach. So he may have actually been more pro ILB than anti ILB. So I doubt it was him.
Morris? How would anyone think or know Morris is pro or against ILBer importance? He's been in LA a minute. His first year as HC for TB in 2009, he had a coming 4 year vet in Barrett Ruud (who as I recall was good to very good, but I could just as easily be wrong) He was a 2nd round pick in 2005.
As a HC the drafts from 2009,10 and 11 for Tampa was pretty heavy with DL, with some CBs and a ILB in the 3rd sprinkled in. But again, he had Ruud, once he lost Ruud, he immediately replaced him with a 3rd round Mason Foster. Who started.
So I seriously doubt Morris doesn't appreciate his ILBers.
So, my best guess is this thought process started with Phillips (correctly I might add ) and has just continued.
My question is who is calling the D now that JJ3 is gone? I'm going to assume all 211 lbs of Travin Howard. Which is strange, because you might as well start Rapp in the middle of your D because they are the same size, but Rapp is twice the athlete.
I hate projecting my personal preferences into the draft because that isn't really information. Its opinion. But I just cannot understand how the Rams just don't see the importance of OC and ILB. I'm hoping at least one of these things change with Morris.
I will also add that I think the fact we don't have a top ILB is a combination of two things. First that Wade as you pointed out did not prioritize them. And secondly that since Wade was replaced where we have picked is tough to find the difference makers.
I mean guys like Roquan Smith (who was my favorite player in that draft) are hard to find end of round one let alone late second round. Last year I coveted Uche (who was a fit IMO) and he was on the board but the Rams needed to replace Gurley and Cooks. So this year may be the year the Rams prioritize it.
An upgrade at ILB would strengthen the Rams to the sideline. So with that contain boost our defense would be significantly better. It was a big weakness last season and you saw it vs the faster backfields. But they also need a guy who can fill well vs the run on the interior and beat blocks. It's a pretty big need IMO. And a need that represents potential for massive return if they can hit on the position because of the current floor.
IMO Travin Howard allows them to maybe still improve even if they do nothing. But if they see BPA at the position there at 57 I have to think they select the guy with relish.
