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As our own Sean Wilkinson wrote back in June, NT Sebastian Joseph-Day has emerged as a real sleeper for a larger role on the Los Angeles Rams’ defensive line.
A 2018 NFL Draft 6th-round pick out of Rutgers at 6’4” and 310 pounds, Seabass certainly has the size for the role. Despite being inactive for all 19 games last season, Joseph-Day credits Ndamukong Suh for aiding his development:
“I was able to, after every series, come and watch the Surface with Suh, and really break down what he saw, go over the plays. Really just tap into his mind,” Joseph-Day said. “And shoutout to him for being such a good guy, and being that guy for me — taking me under his wing and teach me a lot of the stuff he saw through his eyes.”
Roster Battle
Joseph-Day will primarily compete against rookie 2019 NFL Draft 4th-rounder DT Greg Gaines (out of the mighty mighty University of University of Washington) for reps at the nose. An offseason spent alongside Aaron Donald and Suh might give SJD a slight edge.
Expectations
Let’s get him on the field, first. Preseason should be telling in terms of rotations and impact, but his time to show what he can do is coming. His collegiate stats aren’t eye-popping, but Defensive Coordinator Wade Phillips has a great track record of developing his guys. I expect him to split time with Gaines with the rookie eventually overtaking him for reps as the season evolves.
Chances of making the final roster (8/10)
Barring some kind of quantum leap from DT Tanzel Smart, the sudden emergence of a UDFA or an unexpected dropoff from SJD, he looks like a pretty safe bet to land on the final 53-man roster and finally suit up for regular season NFL action.