Los Angeles Rams: Sensible first-round targets after free agent signings
By Jason Reed
3. LB Mack Wilson
The 2019 NFL Draft has two very intriguing inside linebackers that should come into the league and instantly be difference makers and they are both named Devin: Devin White and Devin Bush.
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The unfortunate part for the Los Angeles Rams is that there is not a single chance in the world that either Devin falls to the 31st overall selection. If one were to fall it would be Bush, and the Rams would have to take him, but that will not be the case.
And even though the team has brought back Fowler and signed Matthews, there is still a glaring hole at inside linebacker. Sure, Matthews can play a hybrid role both outside and in, as can Samson Ebukam, but the overall depth of the position is lacking.
Plus, you don’t want a veteran Clay Matthews being your best inside linebacker.
Because of that, the team might still go with a linebacker in the first round and the most logical choice would be Alabama’s Mack Wilson. Wilson is projected to be an early second-round pick, which lines up perfectly for the Rams with the 31st overall pick.
Wilson is easily the third-best inside linebacker in the draft, although there is a bit of a fall-off from White and Bush to Wilson.
He is not the most threatening pass rusher and is not going to get a surplus of tackles for loss from the inside linebacker position.
However, he has shown such a high football IQ and fluidity in the way that he plays that he will be an above average coverage backer as well as someone that can stop short runs from breaking free.
Next. Bold predictions for each new Ram. dark
If the Rams can hone into his natural talent and get Wilson to play more instinctual then the team could be getting a future Pro Bowl linebacker. If not, at the very worst, he will be a three-down backer that will be better than Mark Barron was for the Rams.