Los Angeles Rams: How Dante Fowler Jr. should be used
Dante Fowler Jr. joins the list of players to join the Los Angeles Rams in the last seven months as the team fights towards a perfect season.
The Los Angeles Rams made a big move before the NFL Trade Deadline. The Rams acquired Dante Fowler Jr. from the Jacksonville Jaguars for a third-round draft pick in 2019 and a fifth-round draft pick in 2020.
The Rams were looking to solidify the edge rushing position alongside Samson Ebukam. Acquiring a pass rusher was high on the Rams wish list before the trading deadline. Fowler will step in and look to fill that role. The Rams only have four sacks between defensive ends and edge rushers.
Fowler only has two sacks on the season and 18 QB pressures in a limited role with the Jaguars. I think the Rams are betting on a higher number of sacks with snaps increasing. Fowler has a lot of potential and the Los Angeles Rams will need Wade Phillips to get it out of him.
I see Fowler being used in passing situations because his run defense is not very good at all but he is athletic and fast coming off the edge and should create more edge pressure for the Rams.
With Aaron Donald, who has ten sacks, and Ndamukong Suh in the middle gaining a lot of attention, Fowler should have some one-on-one opportunities to get to the quarterback.
I think Fowler and Donald can be nasty running stunts on the defensive line. Teams will be so concerned about Donald it will allow Fowler to run free and get sacks.
Fowler does come with some baggage as he was suspended for one game in 2017 for being arrested on three misdemeanor charges and was suspended for a week for a post-practice fight with a Jaguars teammate.
The Los Angeles Rams are taking a gamble on Fowler, but I think it is worth the risk. The Rams have some veterans in the locker room that will hold him accountable. Fowler’s talent speaks for itself; he ran a 4.6 at the draft combine, so the speed and athleticism are there.
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I think the change of scenery will do Fowler some good give him a fresh start for a team making a Super Bowl run. I believe Wade Phillips will put Fowler in a good position to make plays and help him reach his full potential, so long as he stays on the right track.