2016 Rams Roster Preview: DT Michael Brockers, Payment Prior

Los Angeles Rams DT Michael Brockers is exactly the type of defensive tackle that I love having on my favorite team. He's selfless, works hard, and is willing to eat blockers in order to free up other defensive playmakers. He's the epitome of a great teammate and one of the most underrated pieces of the defense that Jeff Fisher and Les Snead have built.

As the first draft pick of the Snisher era, Brockers has largely lived up to his billing. He entered the NFL as a very green 20-year old (he won't turn 26 until late in the 2017 campaign) and took some time to develop... but he's turned into one of the better DTs in the NFL.

Under normal circumstances, everything would be gravy for Brockers and the Rams. They would likely have made significant progress on an extension to keep the staunch DT in horns for the foreseeable future. Sadly, that isn't the case with these Rams.

The front office has bungled most important contract situations the last few years. This includes (but is not limited to) the Sam Bradford / Nick Foles disaster, losing CB Janoris Jenkins and S Rodney McLeod in free agency despite being tabbed as Priority A for Rams General Manager Les Snead, not working out an extension with Trumaine Johnson, etc.

That being said, the Rams have several core players coming up for extensions, and Brockers may find himself behind WR Tavon Austin and LB Alec Ogletree for his next contract.. That's not to mention Tru or the record-setting contract that's sure to come as well for DT Aaron Donald.

All of those contracts are sure to be costly to the Rams, and Brockers is no exception. Given his age, skill set, production, and familiarity with Gregg Williams.... a $7-8M salary isn't out of the realm of possibility.

Roster Battle

With Dominique Easley stepping into Nick Fairley's vacated role of 3rd DT and Louis Trinca-Pasat to miss the 2016 season with a knee injury, Brockers will likely see more snaps than ever before. His starting position is all but secured.

Expectations

Go out there and show that you're worth keeping around. Handle the double teams. Stuff the run. Make the occasional play in the backfield. You don't have to be flashy to show your worth.

Brockers has never been the type of player to stuff the box score (even at LSU). With that and in mind, I think a reasonable bump in production is reasonable given the increased snaps that he will likely see in 2016.

50 tackles and a half dozen sacks would be a great season for Brockers.

Chances of Making Final Roster (10/10)

Brockers is going nowhere in 2016. I hope I can say the same at the conclusion of the season.