2015 Rams Roster Preview: DE Martin Ifedi - Late Round Gem or Camp Fodder?

Jeff Fisher loves him some defensive linemen.

In the last 12 months, Rams Head Coach Jeff Fisher has evolved the Rams' defensive line from a team strength to the most downright scary unit in the NFL. It hasn't been all high-profile additions either. Between Michael Sam, Ethan Westbrooks and 2015 addition Martin Ifedi, Fisher and GM Les Snead have shown that they will exhaust all avenues to continually improve the DL.

Roster Battle

Last year, the Rams carried nine defensive linemen, but I see them only carrying eight this year.

When it comes down to the nitty gritty, Ifedi will be competing with Matt Longacre, Doug Worthington and the aforementioned Westbrooks for a roster spot. Westbrooks will be his primary competition, but that's not to say that Longacre or Worthington couldn't surprise either. Remember...no one expected much out of Westbrooks last year, and now he has a leg up on the competition.

If Ifedi can flash some ability in camp, he could make a run at Westbrooks' roster spot.

Expectations

At 6'3" and 275 pounds, Ifedi is somewhat of a 'tweener'. If he is going to seriously challenge Westbrooks, he will have to show some versatility as well as ability. As a 7th-round pick, not much will be expected as far as gameday contributions, but to make an impression on Defensive Coordinator Gregg Williams, he will have to be all-in every day in practice.

Chances of Making Final Roster (2/10)

The bad news for Ifedi is that he joined the most gifted DE group in the NFL when he signed with the Rams as an UDFA. I admire his desire to compete among the best, but he faces long odds to make the final 53-man roster. Given Fisher's affinity for his DL, he has a better chance of landing on the practice squad.