The Los Angeles Rams are a nearly complete team in all aspects. Built on their incredible offensive game, the franchise now has a top-tier defense. The additions of cornerbacks Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson now make the Rams Super Bowl favorites.
Even though the team may be complete, they could still improve at linebacker. The position is dominated by Nate Landman, who signed a three-year, $22.5 million extension this offseason. Omar Speights plays the other half of the position, but with limited stats a draft selection could prove to be an upgrade.
The Rams will likely have the opportunity to select a linebacker in the late second and third rounds. This year’s draft, the linebacker position is filled with future stars. There will be several options for the Rams to choose from to improve their defense for the upcoming season.
Late Second Round Pick (61st)
The Rams have the 61st pick in the second round and a likely candidate to select is Josiah Trotter. Trotter is a 6-foot-2, 237-pound linebacker from the University of Missouri. He is a great tackler with a 7.4% career missed tackle rate in college. Trotter is a monster against the run, getting downhill quickly and making the necessary tackle. He excels at recognizing plays and getting to his spots often before offensive linemen or other offensive blockers.
Trotter is a speedster at the linebacker position but he needs to improve his coverage. He isn’t effective at covering running backs and often bites on RPOs and play action passes. Trotter is a good selection for the second round and could pair well with Landman. The Trotter – Landman combination is a tandem that could work well side-by-side. Trotter can be the rangy playmaker who will run sideline-to-sideline, and Landman can communicate with the defense and focus his efforts in the box containing the run.
Late Third Round Pick (93rd)
The Rams late third round pick is No. 93. The best linebacker likely still on the draft board is Deontae Lawson. Lawson stands at 6-foot-3, 226 pounds and attacks the run game with uber athleticism to rush the passer. He’s not Sonny Styles level, but he can close gaps with his size and speed and knows how to play his position.
The Alabama senior finished last season with 48 tackles and 12 quarterback pressures for the Crimson Tide. Lawson runs a 4.60 40-yard dash and like Trotter he is a sideline-to-sideline player who can make any tackle in tight spaces. Lawson was a two-time captain at Alabama showing a strength in leadership. He also makes defensive coordinator Chris Shula more expansive. He can become an extra blitzer, using his speed and athleticism. Lawson’s projection has only been narrowed to late third and beyond so he will likely be available with the 93rd pick.
Lawson is like Trotter in a lot of aspects, and both linebackers would pair well with Landman. Both linebackers are a great option for the Rams and could help their efforts in winning the Super Bowl.
