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2013 Free Agent Breakdown: Defensive Line

With Williams Hayes scheduled to hit free agency, the Rams could look for some depth on the edge. They'd also could add a defensive tackle for depth purposes as well.

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Can the Rams find help for Chris Long?
Can the Rams find help for Chris Long?
USA TODAY Sports

William Hayes, Rams

No joking about this guys. Hayes is one of the best free agent DE's on the market, and it's probably good that he's still flying under the radar. He was one of the best defensive ends against the run last year, and also was spectacular against the pass.

He could easily be a starter elsewhere, but hopefully playing for Fisher is enough to keep him around. The Rams could certainly use him.

(378 Snaps Played) COMB TOTAL AST SACK FF INT PD
2012 Regular Season 35
29
6
7.0 0
0 1

PFF Grade: +12.0

Wallace Gilberry, Bengals

Just who the hell is Wallace Gilberry? Well, he's the Bengals backup right defensive end. Like Hayes, he also had an excellent season last year. He wasn't as good against the run as Hayes, which is a problem given that the Rams could use an end who excels in that area.

Still, pass rush. What's better than that? More.

(316 Snaps Played)
COMB TOTAL AST SACK FF INT PD
2012 Regular Season 24
15
9
6.5
1
0 0

PFF Grade: +4.2

Lawrence Jackson, Lions

What, were you expecting Cliff Avril? The Rams don't have the kind of money and if they did, they certainly wouldn't spend it on him. Jackson is the other free agent defensive end from the Lions. Given Tim Walton's connections, you can certainly guess that he or any other Lions free agents would have an inside track to joining the Rams, if they so choose.

(401 Snaps Played)
COMB TOTAL AST SACK FF INT PD
2012 Regular Season 20
11
9
2.5
1
0 0

PFF Grade: -1.9

Jason Jones, Seahawks

Remember this guy? The Rams tried to sign him last year and ended up with Kendall Langford, who's been...decent. The Seahawks however are flush with talent and probably won't be resigning Jones.

He didn't put up huge numbers, so his one year prove it deal backfired. Given the success of the Rams and the connection with Jeff Fisher, it may work to Jones' favor to reunite with the 'stache.

(332 Snaps Played)
COMB TOTAL AST SACK FF INT PD
2012 Regular Season 10
7
3
3.0
0
0 4

PFF Grade: +5.6

Glenn Dorsey, Chiefs

For once, I thank Scott Linehan. That'll be the only time you ever see me do that. That's because he wanted Chris Long and eventually convinced the team to abandon their plans to draft Glenn Dorsey.

That isn't to say Dorsey's been terrible, but he hasn't put up the kind of numbers Long has. Still, Mike Wauffle has done great things so far with Robert Quinn, William Hayes and Michael Brockers. Why not add another player with talent to the mix?

(115 Snaps Played)
COMB TOTAL AST SACK FF INT PD
2012 Regular Season 7
4
3
0.0
0
0 0

PFF Grade: +1.8