FanPost

Draft Targets (Inside Linebackers)


Continuing my series of fan posts where first I previewed potential Free Agents and then 5 possible Cornerbacks in the draft, I today look at 5 possible Inside Linebackers that Rams could target in the draft.


With the departure Mark Barron a possibility (not the place for that debate) then the need for a replacement in the middle becomes a real need.


Again, this isn’t best players at their positions but rather a look at what players would be available when the Rams go to draft. So basically no Tremaine Edmunds or Roquan Smith this week.


1. Rashaan Evans; Alabama
Evans is a talented footballer who can play inside in a 3-4 scheme but is flexible and athletic enough to possibly play outside if required.


His ability to shut down the run with a hit-and-stick aggressive play style would be just what the Rams are looking for. Has the ability to be able to cover large amounts of paddock to make a tackle and has a big engine under the pads.
The one concern is he has benefited from playing behind some big Bama D-Lines and this might make him look better on tape then he really is.


Evans would be a late 1st rounder or even and early second rounder. Would be a possible player available if Rams chose to trade down in round one.
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2. Leighton Vander Esch; Boise State


Another big and tall (6’4") athletic prospect that plays from sideline to sideline. His analysis and scouting reports are an impressive read but the thing that stands out most for me is his ability to drop in coverage where needed.


Sure he can tackle (141, 8.5 loss) and he can get to the QB when called upon (4 sacks) but the big splash plays of 4 forced fumbles, 4 pass deflections and an interception is what elevates Vander Esch above his competitors.


Why isn’t there more hype for Leighton? For two reasons, firstly from Boise State he isn’t grabbing the headlines of the Georgia and Bama linebackers and secondly he has only one year in which to compare.


Will be another late 1st round pick to an early 2nd round pick and again would be an awesome target for the Rams to move down a few spots and land on their roster.
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3. Josey Jewell; Iowa


The drop of after Evans and Vander Esch is quite steep. Most mock drafts don’t have another ILB going until the 3rd-5th rounds. Make what you will of that.
In steps Josey.


Josey can is a durable and reliable middle linebacker who is suited to a 3-4 scheme. His senior year stats are a better read then most books (134 tackles, 13.5 for a loss, 4.5 sacks, two interceptions, 11 pass break-ups and a forced fumble).


He diagnoses plays well and is boss-level when it comes to dropping in coverage with 24 pass-breakups over the last 3 years at school. A great tackling style has him marked as not only some one who is well-coached and has the ability to be further coached but some one who uses that superior technique to not fall off many tackles.


Josey needs to be a technical tackler though if he is going to succeed in the NFL as size can be a potential issue (6’1" 235lbs). Speed and agility will be something that scouts will be looking to see out of Jewell but may be waiting a while; hence why Josey will be sitting around the rounds 3-5 awaiting the Rams to put him in Horns.
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4. Tegray Scales; Indiana


Scales is a lot shorter but still is carrying an OK weight (6’0" and 230lbs). His stats and honors are lengthy with ability to make plays obviously cemented over a numerous year career at the college level.


Whereas other players at this position I’ve talked about their athletic ability; that is not what is going to get Scales drafted by an NFL team. It is rather his instincts. He can anticipate a play like a gypsy reading Tarot Cards and seemingly pop up in a space before a player arrives. Loves the game and is dedicated and a hard worker. Team leader and locker room presence.


It is just a shame that those times where some times he can slip off a tackle or be bullied by a blocker are all things that he cannot change much as his size could be maxed out.
Still not a bad 5th round option.
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5. Micah Kiser; Virginia


A popular late round mock draft pick from many Ram’s forums and fan posts.


Micah is predicted to be going in the last rounds of the draft and is an enigma to sort out.


Why do people like Micah? Well because a low to the ground but sturdy build has him with the ability to really whack a ball carrier and the Ram’s most loyal want to see some one in the middle who can finally stop the run. Over three years he has certainly stopped the run and then some (397 tackles, 33.5 for a loss, 19 sacks and 8 forced fumbles).
Sounds brilliant right? Why wait until the 6th to draft him?


Well this one has a big hit or miss type chance. Kiser is a liability in coverage and has a sluggish pace that at college level has been acceptable but might be exposed badly in the NFL.


Taking a LB late in the draft you usually expect them to contribute on Special Teams while they develop and the lack of athletic ability may be the big stopper on drafting some one like Micah Kiser.


But now, if he comes off the board on day three and puts on a Ram’s flat brim, you will know who he is and why the Rams drafted him.