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- May 8, 2014
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I think the first thing to realize here is that the Rams have needed a strong side ILB for a while now. Littleton is not that. 3-4 defenses can get away with bigger and more physical ILB at the strong side post because they split the field. And by design they require linebackers who are strong enough to shed blocks and get through traffic to fill their run fit in the run game because there is one less DT up front to occupy blockers.
Littleton is just the latest Wade Phillips gem tbh and he's going to get paid (and if the team who signs him is smart they'll sign him for a 4-3 WILL spot). But I think it's important to realize there is room to actually improve the run defense by properly stacking the off ball LB positions.
The weak side ILB post looks like Howard will get first shot and he might excel there. What the Rams and their new DC thinks of him, who knows, but he looks like a fit although I would like to see some competition there because that weak side guy does need some lead in his pants and I'm not sure Howard has enough.
Strong side will be Reeder and Kiser it at this point. And looking at both of these ILB positions, I think the level of talent is quite low as is the competition. In fact it's clear we need some fresh blood at both this offseason if we want to be a defense capable of stuffing top run games.
In FA there are a couple guys I really like, but overall there's a ton of guys pending UFA which means options available. So I do think the Rams will use FA to replace Littleton by at least improving the competition level. The question is will they get after a cheaper but still a quality addition? Or will they go with a "buy low" type. I have no idea.
The guys I like in FA are Nick Kwiatkoski (Bears), and Kamalei Correa (Titans). Both are young, bring more physicality and ability to get through traffic which I feel are important, and would give us a nice shot in the arm in roster quality. But of course there are far more options than just them.
In the draft I'd be looking for more physicality on top of the FA addition too. And there's going to be LBs who can help us. I feel like for the first time in a looooong time the Rams are going to draft a good LB.
Littleton is just the latest Wade Phillips gem tbh and he's going to get paid (and if the team who signs him is smart they'll sign him for a 4-3 WILL spot). But I think it's important to realize there is room to actually improve the run defense by properly stacking the off ball LB positions.
The weak side ILB post looks like Howard will get first shot and he might excel there. What the Rams and their new DC thinks of him, who knows, but he looks like a fit although I would like to see some competition there because that weak side guy does need some lead in his pants and I'm not sure Howard has enough.
Strong side will be Reeder and Kiser it at this point. And looking at both of these ILB positions, I think the level of talent is quite low as is the competition. In fact it's clear we need some fresh blood at both this offseason if we want to be a defense capable of stuffing top run games.
In FA there are a couple guys I really like, but overall there's a ton of guys pending UFA which means options available. So I do think the Rams will use FA to replace Littleton by at least improving the competition level. The question is will they get after a cheaper but still a quality addition? Or will they go with a "buy low" type. I have no idea.
The guys I like in FA are Nick Kwiatkoski (Bears), and Kamalei Correa (Titans). Both are young, bring more physicality and ability to get through traffic which I feel are important, and would give us a nice shot in the arm in roster quality. But of course there are far more options than just them.
In the draft I'd be looking for more physicality on top of the FA addition too. And there's going to be LBs who can help us. I feel like for the first time in a looooong time the Rams are going to draft a good LB.
