Los Angeles Rams: Biggest remaining needs after free agent signings
By Jason Reed
3. Inside linebacker
Inside linebacker may no longer seem like a need due to the moves that the Los Angeles Rams have made thus far. The team has already gotten much deeper at linebacker after re-signing Fowler and signing Matthews to a two-year deal.
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The only problem is that both of those guys are outside linebackers. Fowler is like a traditional defensive end that fits perfectly in the Rams’ 3-4 defense and will be rushing the passer on most downs.
Matthews, on the other hand, is someone that can lineup on the defensive line and rush the passer but is also someone that can drop back into coverage and even play the middle of the field. He has done it before for the Green Bay Packers.
While Matthews is decent in that role, he is not getting any younger and having an outside linebacker hybrid-type player serving as the primary inside linebacker is not a sign for success. With the team also releasing Mark Barron, the need on the inside is more than apparent.
The Rams do not have to add someone in the first round and can use a third-round pick on an inside linebacker that can effectively rotate with Matthews and not serve as an every down backer to start his career.
Adding an every down backer would be nice but the fall off from the top-two linebackers in the draft to the third is quite large and the Rams might be better filling the other holes.
Next. First-round prospects to avoid in the draft. dark
Regardless, whether the team uses a mid-round pick or explores free agency or even trades, the front office should be looking to add an inside linebacker.