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2018 Los Angeles Rams Roster Preview: DL Michael Brockers continues strong play

The former first-round pick enters his seventh season after a productive 2017 campaign

Seattle Seahawks v Los Angeles Rams
Michael Brockers finished 2017 with an 83.1 grade on Pro Football Focus, good for 31st among interior defenders.
Photo by Harry How/Getty Images

Here’s a fun fact: Los Angeles Rams DT Michael Brockers is the last shred of evidence of a blockbuster trade with the Washington NFL team moving up to draft QB Robert Griffin III. The other seven picks the Rams had received are no longer on the team for a variety of reasons. In fact, this makes Brockers the second-longest tenured Ram, behind OL Rodger Saffold.

Roster battle

Brockers is comfortably penciled in as the third defensive lineman, behind pro bowlers Aaron Donald and Ndamukong Suh. Other defensive lineman that will be fighting for a roster spot will be Tanzel Smart, Ethan Westbrooks, John Franklin-Myers, and Sebastian Joseph-Day. Last season, the Rams had five DL make the final 53-man roster.

Expectations

Brockers is practically guaranteed a spot as a starter on the defensive line. In fact, I would consider him a breakout candidate. In theory, offensive lines will have match up nightmares against Donald and Suh who demand special attention. Brockers could very well be the guy to benefit from double-teams setting a few new career highs and being a key cog in helping the Rams reach their lofty expectations.

Chances of Making Final Roster (10/10)

The Rams defensive line will be terrifying. While Brockers doesn’t have the all-pro pedigree that Donald and Suh have, he is every bit as important as both of them when they are all on the field. With the nearly league-wide epidemic of poor offensive line play, these three should feast. On a related note, the Rams play the Seahawks in week five. Mark your calendars, that should be a fun one to watch.