John Franklin-Myers proving his worth on defense

Rams rookie John Franklin-Myers proving his worth on defense

GARY KLEIN

http://www.latimes.com/sports/rams/la-sp-rams-report-20180929-story.html#

He was a fourth-round draft pick out of a smaller college program, but Rams rookie defensive lineman John Franklin-Myers is coming up big for the Rams.

On a defensive line that features veteran stars such as Aaron Donald, Ndamukong Suh and Michael Brockers, Franklin-Myers produced the game-turning play in last Thursday’s victory over the Minnesota Vikings at the Coliseum.

Late in the fourth quarter, Franklin-Myers speed-rushed off the right edge and swatted the ball from quarterback Kirk Cousins’ hand. Suh recovered the fumble and the Rams ran out the clock to secure a victory that improved their record to 4-0 heading into an Oct. 7 game against the Seattle Seahawks.

Franklin-Myers’ play — he was credited with a sack — highlighted the progress he’s made since the Rams selected him out of Stephen F. Austin.

“Nothing like getting that first real sack in a real game,” Franklin-Myers said. “I’ve been waiting on that.”

Before the season, the Rams defensive line looked good on paper. But with Donald holding out for an extension and Dominique Easley’s availability uncertain because of 2017 knee surgery, defensive line coach Bill Johnson said it would take time for everything to come together.

Donald signed a $135-million extension the week before the opener, and defensive coordinator Wade Phillips moved Easley to outside linebacker.

Brockers recorded a sack in Week 1 against the Oakland Raiders. Suh got his first sack in Week 3 against the Chargers, and then got another against the Vikings. Donald recorded his first two sacks against the Vikings.

Then Franklin-Myers stepped up.

“Happy to see the young guy coming out and enjoying the party as well,” Suh said.

Franklin-Myers has benefited from practicing and playing alongside the veterans, coach Sean McVay said.

“You see the way that Suh and that Brockers and that Aaron have kind of taken John under their wing and mentored him and continued to just watch him progress,” he said. “For him to be able to capitalize on an opportunity, get his hands on the ball and force it to come out at a critical moment — that’s big.”

When Donald, Suh and Brockers are making plays, Franklin-Myers said, he is compelled to do the same.

“They were happy for me,” he said. “I love these guys.”