Rams see LB Mark Barron 'fitting in' to new system

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  • #68849
    Avatar photozn
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    Rams see LB Mark Barron ‘fitting in’ to new system

    Alden Gonzalez

    http://www.espn.com/blog/los-angeles-rams/post/_/id/33816/rams-see-lb-mark-barron-fitting-in-to-new-system

    THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. — In prior years — though not as much lately — Mark Barron played a hybrid role, serving as both a safety and linebacker for former defensive coordinator Gregg Williams. But the Los Angeles Rams’ new defensive coordinator, Wade Phillips, is simplifying things a bit.

    “He’s a linebacker,” Phillips said of Barron from the Rams’ rookie minicamp on Friday. “He’s really instinctive; he’s got great speed, and we can utilize his coverage ability at linebacker. It gives you more options as far as things you want to do defensively. If you get a guy like that who can cover people, then we’re going to utilize that.”

    With the Rams converting from a 4-3 to a 3-4, Barron — the former seventh overall pick who is heading into his sixth season — will serve as an inside linebacker alongside Alec Ogletree, with Robert Quinn and Connor Barwin on the outside. Barron was a strong safety in his first two-plus years with the Buccaneers, but essentially played both linebacker and safety with the Rams during the second half of 2014 and for most of 2015.

    Last year, while sticking to mainly one position, Barron recorded a career-high 117 tackles and graded 32nd among 87 qualified linebackers by Pro Football Focus.

    Barron’s five-year, $45 million extension carries a combined $6 million of dead money from 2018 to ’20, seemingly making 2017 a crucial year for Barron to prove he fits. But Phillips will tell you his role is solidified.

    “I see any good football player fitting in, and Mark Barron’s a good football player,” Phillips said. “He made plays as a linebacker before, so I expect him to make plays with us, too.”

    #68850
    Avatar photozn
    Moderator

    PFF: RAMS APPEAR SET TO KEEP BARRON AT LINEBACKER

    Barron had been a safety early in his career, but has played linebacker more recently, and the Rams look likely to keep him there.

    MIKE CAHILL

    https://www.profootballfocus.com/pro-rams-appear-set-to-keep-barron-at-linebacker/

    Los Angeles Rams defensive coordinator Wade Phillips said he had no plans to play Mark Barron at safety after playing his first full season at linebacker in 2016.

    Barron played 75 percent of games at LB in 2015 and full-time at LB in 2016. Those were his two highest-graded seasons at 77.4 and 78.4, respectively.

    After averaging 67.7 tackles and 21.7 stops in his first three seasons, Barron has averaged 98.5 tackles and 54 stops over the last two seasons.

    Barron’s five passes defended were the second-most of his career and tied for third among 88 linebackers.

    #68854
    Avatar photozn
    Moderator

    This is old news, but maybe bears repeating? This is a one-gap 3/4 with the stress on attacking gaps, not taking on guards. So on paper anyway it should work. Look at Arizona. Last year, with converted safety Deone Bucannon at one ILB spot, the Arz defense was 2nd in the league in yards allowed, 9th against the run, and 3rd in yards per rushing attempt. So starting Bucannon at ILB did not hurt them any. Barron has basically the same size and profile as Bucannon.

    #68857
    sanbagger
    Participant

    Yea…not sure why people are hesitant about Barron fitting in as a MO LBer…only I can think of is his weight and I don’t give that much credence.

    I admit…I liked the idea of Tree staying outside and getting a bigger MLBer last year but both guys proved they could handle their spots…no concern for me at all there.

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