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With every second that passes, Ram's fans find themselves in a weird purgatory of post-draft, OTA, can't-wait-for-preseason football. Without question, the defense outperformed the offense in 2011, and though there was heavy speculation about the possibility of first round draft choices, when the dust had settled, the defense was paid more immediate attention in this most recent draft.
Trading back with Dallas to #14, and with the the addition of Kendall Langford, the Rams found the final cog, and future, of their interior defensive line by taking the very promising prospect Michael Brockers,. Our defense will rely on Langford, and our first round draft pick, to provide immediate and meaningful pressure on opposing QB's....something our eyes had witnessed very little in 2011.
In what appeared to be complete neglect for upgrading our linebackers, the secondary - which was heavily plagued with injury last season - brought in Cortland Finnegan, who brings more than a glimmer of hope. But reassurance will still need to be earned by most fans. As it stands, or sounds, 2nd round pick Janoris Jenkins - who was considered one of the best cover corners in the draft - should make an equally immediate impact...Which brings me to my point...
I hadn't pieced it together until this evening, but I got to thinking... Is, or will, Janoris Jenkins be a better defensive player than Michael Brockers in 2012? It seems as though the Rams, on any site, have been given little credit for drafting Brockers. Gaining picks through the trade with Washington however, garnered nothing but praise.
One of those picks, and much of that praise, has been directed at Janoris Jenkins, who second round draft status is usually complimented by 'first round talent.' Jenkins, though regularly the conversation of off-the-field problems, is referred to for his incredible potential. The uncertainty of whether or not Fisher will be able to 'keep him in check' is really the only concern at this point, for both fans and skeptics.
It seems as though many Draft/NFL experts are willing to award Jenkins a 'breakout' in his rookie season. Brockers does not seem to be getting that same level of respect. Is Janoris Jenkins going to be a better player...Immediately...Long Term...??? DC wants to know!