Former Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Kendall Langford represents the final part of a trio of marquee free agents signed by the St. Louis Rams this offseason. They signed him to a four-year, $24 million contract on March 17. At the time of the signing, many wondered about Langford's ability to play on the inside of a four-man front. Langford sounded a confident tone when asked about transitioning to the 4-3 defense.
"I don't think it will be hard at all," Langford said in a conference call last week.
This will not be his first exposure to the four-man front, either.
"We played a little over and under here and that's really what a 4-3 is where I play some three technique, so I don't think it'll be a problem at all," Langford explained. "I think I'll excel at it."
The Rams are sure counting on Langford to excel at the position, which represents a big need for the Rams' defense. Rushing the passer will be only part of what Langford is asked to do in St. Louis. Fixing a leaky run defense is also a priority. Langford was pretty confident in his ability to do that as well.
"I think I'm a dominant run stopper," Langford said. "I'm a physical guy and I play hard. I come to work every day ready to work and I come out and I play hard ball."