Rams Training Camp: Top position battles on Defense…

Rams Training Camp: Top Position Battles on Defense

By Blaine Grisak of DowntownRams

The Los Angeles Rams are nearing training camp later in July. Here are the top defensive position battles to watch throughout camp.

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Oct 26, 2020; Inglewood, California, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Nick Foles (9) throws a pass over Los Angeles Rams outside linebacker Leonard Floyd (54) during the second quarter at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports
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Los Angeles Rams are nearing the start of training camp. On Jul 27, the Rams will begin camp and there will be plenty to keep an eye on. Aside from seeing Matthew Stafford in a Los Angeles Rams uniform, there will also be the usual training camp battles.

This year is no different with several camp battles to keep an eye on. We covered the offense HERE, now we’ll go to the defensive side of the ball.

EDGE

The Los Angeles Rams have a top edge rusher when it comes to Leonard Floyd. However, opposite of Floyd is where things get dicey. The Rams have Terrell Lewis, however, with his injury situation, it’s unlikely that he takes on a full-time role.

The Rams also have Ogbonnia Okoronkwo. Fans have talked about Okoronkwo breaking out every since he was a rookie. Unfortunately, injuries have slowed him down and he has yet to actually break out. In two years, he has just 2.5 sacks.

Justin Hollins is also in the mix, but how much in the mix? The Rams signed Hollins last year after he was cut from the Broncos. They made that signing in large part because of Brandon Staley and his confidence that they could move him to inside linebacker.

Chris Garrett is a seventh round pick coming from the Division II level. It’s unlikely that he contributes as a rookie. The position opposite of Floyd is wide open and it wouldn’t be surprising to see the Rams sign a veteran during training camp before the season.

Cornerback

The Rams have their top two cornerbacks set in stone between Jalen Ramsey and Darious Williams. Behind them though is where fans will have their eyes during training camp. The Rams don’t have a lot of depth at cornerback and will be looking for a player or two to step up.

Going into his third season will be cornerback David Long. Long was drafted in the third round, but has not shown a lot in his previous two seasons. It feels like now or never for Long. He was supposed to be the third cornerback last season, but it was Darious Williams who stepped up.

He’s only a rookie, but Robert Rochell could be an option. In all likelihood, Rochell will be the fourth cornerback and be a backup option on the outside rather than an option in the slot.

The true competition for the third cornerback spot will be between Long and Donte Deayon. Deayon is in his third season with the Rams as well. Nothing is guaranteed for Long which opens up an opportunity for the former undrafted free agent. Brontae Harris will be someone to keep an eye on as well.

Linebacker

This might be the position that everyone is watching because quite literally, nothing is guaranteed. The favorites to start will be Micah Kiser and Troy Reeder. However, the Rams just drafted Ernest Jones and he had the team’s highest leadership grade on their board.

Kenny Young also can’t be forgotten about this season. He ended the year very well and is someone that the Rams traded for in return for Marcus Peters.

The Rams will likely rotate these players throughout training camp and it’s unlikely we know who the starters are until Week 1. Even then, the team might continue to rotate them depending on the situation.

Kiser is an interesting option as he is someone that started last year and showed flashes. However, he’s been unable to remain healthy. Troy Reeder made strides last year and brings an athleticism to the position that the Rams simply don’t have.

Christian Rozeboom was an undrafted free agent last season and is also someone that the Rams really like. There are also rumors that the Rams have been working Jake Gervase in at linebacker instead of his natural position at safety.

Safety

When it comes to safety, the top four are pretty much decided. The Rams have Jordan Fuller and Terrell Burgess. Then behind those two, Taylor Rapp and Nick Scott will also get opportunities. It’s an inexperienced top-four, but one with a lot of potential.

Behind them is where fans will want to watch during training camp. The Rams signed a few safeties as undrafted free agents that will battle it out this summer. Paris Ford will come is as the favorite as he’s a name that fans know and comes from a big program at Pitt.

However, there are others that should not be slept on. Jovan Grant was an exciting player who comes from the FCS level. He’s a tough, hard-hitting safety that will look to work in on special teams.

While not his brother, Troy Warner will certainly be a big story during training camp. He’s the brother of 49ers linebacker Fred Warner. He won’t be the favorite to win a roster spot, but with a good training camp, he could make a strong case.