notes on the Rams front 7

JackPMiller wrote:

Just as Sherman used the opportunity of leaving Seattle to sign with a division rival in San Francisco, what about Wright making a move to Los Angeles?

Well, espn didn’t “predict” anything. They didn’t even really report anything. On one espn show, one analyst (Barnwell) speculated. That;s it, just a few words of sheer speculation.

Donald.

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from https://theramswire.usatoday.com/2021/06/01/rams-aaron-donald-best-pass-rusher-rankings-gaps/

Doug Farrar of Touchdown Wire recently ranked the NFL’s best pass rusher from each gap and rather than Donald being placed at several different spots, he earned higher praise than anyone on the list.

His versatility warranted selection as the best pass rusher from everywhere, according to Farrar.

Before we get into specifics, we should mention that while Donald doesn’t top the list at any one position, it’s because he’s so great… well, everywhere. It’s yet another way in which, when we talk about defensive linemen, there is Aaron Donald, and there is everybody else. Last season, including the playoffs, Donald had 14 solo sacks and 78 total pressures. Only Tampa Bay’s Shaquil Barrett and Pittsburgh’s T.J. Watt had more total pressures, and Donald tied with Watt for the NFL’s most solo sacks. Keep in mind that while Barrett and Watt were most often detached form the formation and rushing from the edge, Donald was more often than not getting his work done from the inside, and as a constant focus of the opposing offensive line.

Last season, Donald had six sacks and 31 pressures as a 3-tech tackle, two sacks and 18 pressures as a 4i tackle, two sacks and nine pressures as a 4-tech tackle, one sack and seven pressures as a five-tech end, three sacks and nine pressures as a 7-tech end, and two pressures as a 9-tech end. Basically, wherever you line Aaron Donald up, he’s going to demolish your quarterback.

Greg Beacham@gregbeacham
“It’s definitely quieter. It’s definitely weird, that’s for sure.” –Rams DL Sebastian Joseph-Day on the absence of Michael Brockers, his close friend and a Rams D-line stalwart for 9 seasons

How Rams’ supporting cast for Aaron Donald looks, sounds different

Lindsey Thiry

https://www.espn.com/blog/los-angeles-rams/post/_/id/42731/how-rams-supporting-cast-for-aaron-donald-looks-sounds-different

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. — An almost eerie quiet swept over the Los Angeles Rams defensive line while they stretched before a recent voluntary practice session.

The silence was broken when a player hollered, “Dang, I miss Brock, it’s quiet as hell!” defensive tackle Sebastian Joseph-Day recalled.

NFL roster turnover is inevitable, and the 2021 Rams defensive line is not immune. After he was selected 14th overall in 2012 and played nine seasons with the Rams, defensive lineman Michael Brockers was traded to the Detroit Lions in March in an effort to create salary cap space.

Brockers’ departure means not only less noise, but a gaping hole along the front of the NFL’s defending top-ranked defense and marks the end of a seven-year run playing alongside three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year Aaron Donald, who often praised Brockers’ efforts that helped but did not appear on the stat sheet.

“It’s different for sure and definitely an adjustment,” Joseph-Day said about the group’s dynamic sans Brockers. “But in this business it’s kind of what’s expected.”

The amount of turnover on the Rams’ defense has been significant since the unit led the NFL last season, allowing an average of 18 points per game.

The Rams hired Raheem Morris as defensive coordinator to take over for Brandon Staley after he departed following one season to become the Chargers head coach. The Rams also lost their cornerbacks and linebackers coaches to promotions elsewhere, and saw starting cornerback Troy Hill, outside linebacker Samson Ebukam and safety John Johnson III depart in free agency.

Fifth-year pro Morgan Fox, a rotation player on the defensive line who had six sacks last season, also departed in free agency, signing a two-year deal with the Carolina Panthers.

“We have the right kind of guys in this building to be able to pick up the slack or pick up exactly where those guys left off,” said Joseph-Day, a sixth-round pick in 2018 who is entering his third season as starter. “I think that’s going to be the story of what’s going on here.”

Donald, who attended a portion of the voluntary offseason workouts but was not made available to reporters, will now lead a group that includes Joseph-Day, A’Shawn Robinson and Greg Gaines.

The Rams also added depth in the draft, selecting Bobby Brown III in the fourth round from Texas A&M and Earnest Brown IV in the fifth round from Northwestern.

“There’s a lot for me to learn,” said Bobby Brown, who was the first defensive lineman drafted by the Rams since Gaines was selected in the fourth round in 2019. “I don’t think I’ve completely made the transition yet but also I would say it just shows me that I’m not a premier defensive lineman no more. I have to learn all over again and I have to be just as humble as I was pretty much my freshmen year again.”

Gaines has played in 26 games the past two seasons and has recorded 31 tackles and two sacks.

Robinson reported to the offseason program in the best shape of his career after dedicating himself a new diet and workout regimen. Listed at 330 pounds last season, Robinson says his goal is to play this season between 300 and 305 pounds.

“I just wanted to be the best for these guys,” said Robinson, a second-round pick by the Lions in 2016. “I’m not going to go out here and slack and let any of these guys down.”

A sixth-year pro, Robinson was signed to a two-year, $17 million free-agent contract during the 2020 offseason to take over for Brockers, who at the time agreed to terms in free agency with the Baltimore Ravens but ultimately returned to Los Angeles. after the deal fell through.

Robinson spent the first half of last season sidelined due to unspecified health issues and played in eight games. Through organized team activities and mandatory minicamp, teammates noticed his readiness to step up.

“He’s really locked in,” Joseph-Day said. “I think a lot of guys are locked in especially with the departure of Brock. A lot of guys are locked in, a lot of guys are ready to step up and that’s a huge, positive.”

As for how quickly the group can come together, Robinson emphasized the importance of the offseason program, which wrapped up last week with a three-day mandatory minicamp that Donald did not attend (Rams coach Sean McVay indicated the two communicated and it was an excused absence) and Joseph-Day did not fully participate in.

“That’s what OTAs is for, the foundation, you build the ground up,” Robinson said. “… Everyone has been seeing how everyone needs to do this, how everything comes together and putting the puzzle pieces together.”

I think the rookie is a year or two away even if he does reaches potential, but I agree with everything else Invader.

from https://theramswire.usatoday.com/2021/07/11/rams-rookie-max-roberts-workout-video-footwork/

Max Roberts

There’s a lot still to be decided at outside linebacker for the Los Angeles Rams behind starter Leonard Floyd. Terrell Lewis should make the team, as should Justin Hollins. But Ogbonnia Okoronkwo, Chris Garrett, Justin Lawler, Max Roberts and John Daka will be fighting for some of the final roster spots come September.

Roberts is training hard ahead of training camp and recently shared a video on Twitter of his impressive footwork. He went through several drills showcasing his quickness, looking explosive coming out of his breaks.

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from https://www.bcinterruption.com/2021/4/29/22407948/boston-college-eagles-football-maximilian-roberts-nfl-draft-profile

Last but not least of our Eagle hopefuls is Maximilian Roberts. Roberts began his college career at Fordham before moving on to Maine. This past season, he of course came over to Boston College to begin his Masters and push for the opportunity to play at the next level.

Some may remember his electric debut against Texas State. Announced he would be joining BC only about an hour before the game, Roberts brought an immediate spark to the game, tallying a sack and a half and adding five tackles. His energy was infections and jumped off the screen. The defensive end would go on to lead the team in sacks (4.5) and tackle for loss yards in only eight games. An Ohio native, two of his three years at Fordham were spent at linebacker. At Maine, Roberts tallied 19 tackles, four sacks, and a pair of forced fumbles.

Throughout his career, he’s undergone three knee surgeries, but has had no problems since his arrival at BC. He was also invited to the Hula Bowl, a post-season college football all star game.

What does he bring to an NFL team?

Roberts sees himself as an outside linebacker/Edge. He has the ability to rush the passer and even drop into cover. At 6’2, 254-pounds Roberts brings plenty of athleticism. He had some of the best numbers at BC’s post day, posting 10’3 broad jump, 36.5 in vertical jump, and solid speed as well. He also has a great passion for the game and plays with a fire.

To start, he can contribute immediately on special teams, and rotate in as a pass rusher. Per PFF, of P5 rushers in this draft Roberts has the second highest pass-rush win rate.

Where will he get drafted?

Roberts is likely to be a late round pick or at worst a priority free agent.

Where could he go?

Maximilian has met with a number of teams including the Jets, Raiders, and Chargers. After the aforementioned Hula Bowl, he alos met with the 49ers, Giants, Titans, and Seahawks. That’s a mix of teams that run both 3-4/4-3 defenses, so each team could view him differently.

Justin Hollins
Ht: 6052 / 6′ 05″ | Wt: 248

Hollins was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the fifth round (156th overall) of the 2019 NFL Draft.

Ourlads’ Profile:

2019 Guide: What Ourlads’ NFL Scouting Services said about JUSTIN HOLLINS: Oregon 6052 248 4.48 Three year starter from Arlington, TX. Versatile player having started as a defensive end and outside linebacker. Has experience backing off as well. Fast twitch athlete with tremendous upside. With his hand on the ground is quick at the snap with a burst to bend around the corner in the pass rush. Quick with his hands to punch and work a block. Has a two way go that keeps tackles off balance. Quick inside move with a finishing burst is effective. Plays off blocks on the perimeter and sets the edge versus an outside run. When backed off shows natural instincts to locate the ball. Hand usage is solid here as well as shedding blocks on the move. Changes direction quickly with no wasted movement. Range in pursuit is what NFL teams need as he can chase across the field and make plays in space. Solid fundamental tackling ability with knee bend and explosive finish. Not often used in coverage but has natural fluidity dropping and can flip his hips in a zone reacting to route pressure. Sees the quarterback and receivers and can close a void and break on the ball. Inconsistent with the play right at him as he can get locked up and neutralized at times. Versus cutbacks on the backside sometimes has trouble getting leverage to the ball as a blocker can wash him out of the play. Has had some outstanding games and some so-so games, so consistent production can be an issue. Has the versatile tools that any NFL team can put to use as he can fit a variety of schemes. He had as good of an East-West game as we have seen from an individual. He still has upside and is a likely second day pick.

Aaron Donald on A’Shawn Robinson: ‘He knows we need him to step up big time’

Cameron DaSilva

* https://theramswire.usatoday.com/2021/07/30/rams-aaron-donald-ashawn-robinson-step-up-camp/

A’Shawn Robinson was one of the Rams’ big free-agent additions last offseason, signing him to a two-year contract worth $17 million. His first season in L.A. didn’t go according to plan, however, as he missed the first eight games while on the non-football injury list.

Hopefully he can bounce back with a better 2021 campaign now that he’s fully healthy and even slimmed down, playing at 308 pounds. He’s expected to step in as the starting defensive end after Michael Brockers was traded, and those in Los Angeles know how important a player he is.

Aaron Donald said this week that Robinson knows the Rams are counting on him to come through.

“He knows we need him to step up big time for us this year, it’s that leadership role for him now. So, he’s got to be ready, he’s got to be pure because we’re depending on him. He put the body of work and it’s going to pay off this year for himself,” Donald said.

Not only does Donald believe Robinson must step up, but he’s confident the former Lions defensive lineman will hold his own in place of Brockers.

“Him being gone, there is definitely going to be a void,” Donald said of Brockers. “But A’Shawn is going to step up big time for us and hold it down and make a lot of plays for us.”

Losing weight was a goal of Robinson’s this offseason after talking to his coaches and trainers, and he’s shed about 22 pounds. He feels lighter and more explosive, which is a great thing for the Rams.

Donald doesn’t really care what weight Robinson is playing at as long as he can do his job and hold up against double teams.

“As long as you can still hold your double team, do what you need to do,” Donald said. “You might play a three-(technique), you might play a shade, you might play a four-(technique), might play a five-(technique). You just got to be able to transition to wherever they put you and be able to hold your own.”

Robinson doesn’t have to be a Pro Bowler next to Donald and Sebastian Joseph-Day. He just has to help fill the shoes of Brockers as a run defender and offer some help as a pass rusher. There’s no reason to believe he can’t do that