The Los Angeles Rams Will Have Some New Faces On Defense, With Shuffling Of Veteran Players, For This Season.
My series covering every NFL team continues with this article taking, a look at the Los Angeles Rams. I will be identifying players that I would consider adding ahead of the 2019 season. Also included will be my recommendations on what it might take to acquire these players.
Tanzel Smart, Defensive Tackle:
The Rams are having to decide how they’re going to replace Ndamukong Suh, who didn’t re-sign this offseason due to lack of cap space. The in house candidate to replace Suh is third year pro Tanzel Smart. The 24 year old was a sixth round draft pick, by the Rams, in 2017. When Smart entered the NFL draft, he drew comparisons to, recently retired, Kyle Williams. Tanzel hasn’t seen much playing time in his first two seasons, compiling a total of nine solo tackles and one quarterback hit. This all happened over 18 games played and four starts. If Smart can develop into something similar to Williams, the Rams will be very happy.
Fantasy Recommendation:
He should be available on your wavier wire. I do expect the Rams to address this position in the upcoming NFL draft.
Honorable Mention: Whoever the Rams draft.
Clay Matthews, Linebacker:
Clay Matthews, 32, signed a two-year contract with the Rams this off season, to help apply edge pressure to this defense. The longtime Green Bay Packer ended last season with 29 solo tackles, seven tackles for loss, 12 quarterback hits, and three and a half sacks. This was all done over 16 starts, which was his most since 2015. I think Clay has enough left in the tank to make an impact with his new team. However, he does carry some risk with his age and injury history. Even with that risk, he still is a nice buy low add for the upcoming season.
Fantasy Recommendation:
There is a fairly good chance he’s available on the wavier wire, if not, it shouldn’t cost you more than a late round pick. I see Clay as a LB 3/4 depending on team need.
Honorable Mention: Whoever the Rams draft.
Nickell Robey-Coleman, Cornerback:
Nickell Robey-Coleman, 27, ended last season with 25 solo tackles and three tackles for loss. He only started one game for the Rams last season, but he did play in all 16 games. With the age of fellow corner, Aquib Talib, 33, and his injury history I think there is a good chance that Robey-Coleman will get more starts in 2019. With Marcus Peters on the other side, opposing quarterbacks should be targeting anyone that plays opposite him. So with that, comes ample opportunity for that other conerback to make players, which is what we look for in IDP leagues. Robey-Coleman makes a great buy low candidate for me going into next season.
Fantasy Recommendation:
He should be available on your wavier wire.
Honorable Mention: Aquib Talib, Cornerback.
Conclusion
If the veterans on this defense can stay healthy and produce at a high level then this defense will be strong once again. One major weakness that this unit will have to sure up is the number of big plays given up by their secondary. This is a defense that I’ll be looking to get any piece of for next season. Ranking these buy lows in order of priority, it would be Clay Matthews, Nickell Robey-Coleman, and Tanzel Smart. Hopefully, you find these recommendations helpful in your quest to build that championship roster for 2019. Please keep an eye out for the Miami Dolphins.
Follow me on Twitter @MorganMcLane and follow the show @IDPGuys Defense does win Championships!
