The Los Angeles Rams have often relied on young and experienced players to fill out their defense. That is even more true this season with future Hall of Fame defensive lineman Aaron Donald retiring and trading away team captain and starting middle linebacker, Ernest Jones.
As of right now, the Rams have 27 defenders on their roster. Of those 10 are rookies, five drafted and five are undrafted free agents. Another five defenders are entering their second year. Meaning, 56 percent of the defense has played just one or fewer seasons in the NFL. Five of the 11 defensive starters. Seven of those have one or fewer years as a starter in the NFL.
Only seven of the 27 players are true veterans, players in the league for five or more years. Of those starters, only three played more than 50 percent of their team’s snaps last season, Michael Hoecht, Kamren Curl, and Darious Williams.
Sean McVay Touts Los Angeles Rams New Defensive Leadership
This isn’t something that Rams head coach Sean McVay is particularly worried about.
“I think it’s more about guys continuing to assert themselves in positions and roles that are earned. I’m excited for two captains that just got voted on our defense Quentin Lake and Kobie Turner.” Sean McVay told reporters, “It couldn’t be more well-deserving and we’ve got other great leaders that got recognition with Tre’Davious White. I think Kam Curl has great leadership. You look at Troy Reeder and his ability to be able to communicate as well as Christian Rozeboom. From the front, Byron Young taking his second year Michael Hoecht’s leadership. You get Darious Williams back. So there’s a lot of players that I’m very confident in and then some of those rookies that we added.”
McVay went on later to state that the team’s ‘youthful exuberance’ and the long-term effects of Donald’s ‘imprint’ will bolster the defense’s identity.
The new-look Rams defense will face their first regular season challenge on Sunday Night Football when they take on the Detroit Lions on September 9th.
