The Rams have the best defensive lineman in the NFL leading the group, with that player being Aaron Donald, of course. Him alone makes Los Angeles’ D-line a major strength of the team, but Greg Gaines and A’Shawn Robinson are two quality players, too.
The problem with the Rams’ defensive line isn’t the starting group, but the depth behind them. That’s where there are at least some mild concerns heading into the 2022 season after losing Sebastian Joseph-Day in free agency.
Here’s a preview of the defensive line with camp coming up.
Quarterbacks
Running backs
Wide receivers
Tight ends
Offensive line
Roster locks
(Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images)
Aaron Donald
Greg Gaines
A’Shawn Robinson
The Rams know who their starters will be up front, but they don’t know exactly who will back them up. That leaves Donald, Gaines and Robinson as the only locks to make the team, unlike last year when they had four players they could count on along the defensive line: those three plus Sebastian Joseph-Day.
Likely to make it
(Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images)
Bobby Brown III
Michael Hoecht
Brown and Hoecht should make the team, though they still have work to do in order to make that happen. Brown can play multiple positions, including defensive end like Hoecht, but he needs to play with better power and develop a wider range of pass-rush moves.
Hoecht plays with great effort and was usually the first defensive linemen to get opportunities after the starters last season, but he still has to keep improving.
On the bubble
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Marquise Copeland
Earnest Brown IV
Jonah Williams
Elijah Garcia
The Rams could keep anywhere from five to seven defensive linemen this season, so either way, the four players in this group have work to do. Brown spent last season on the practice squad as a fifth-round rookie, so the Rams are expecting him to take a step forward.
Copeland probably has the best shot of any player in this group, and I think he’ll make the 53-man roster despite being on the bubble right now.
Battle to watch: Bobby Brown III vs. Michael Hoecht
Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Brown and Hoecht could be battling for the spot immediately behind the three starters. Brown is more of a defensive tackle, whereas Hoecht should mostly play defensive end, but the Rams’…
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