Bobby Wagner enters the 2022 season with a new team as he returned home to Southern California to play for the Los Angeles Rams after parting ways with the Seattle Seahawks.
Although Wagner is closer to the end of his prime, he remained one of the most effective linebackers during the 2021 season as he racked up 170 combined tackles in 16 games played. Coming to the Rams, he gives them a veteran presence in the middle of the field and is expected to be wearing the green dot once action officially begins.
The 32-year-old has a reputation for being one of the most cerebral and well-prepared players in the league, so defensive coordinator Raheem Morris should have no problem finding opportunities for him to make an impact. It also seems like EA Sports has given Wagner some credit as they recently ranked him the fourth-best linebacker on Madden 23 heading into the new season, via ESPN:
.@fred_warner tops the list of #Madden23's best LBs 😤 pic.twitter.com/tL3VeKWlMM
— ESPN (@espn) July 19, 2022
Wagner scored a 91 rating, a solid number that’s reflective of his play on the field. He falls behind top-rated linebacker Fred Warner, who is then followed by Demario Davis and Lavonte David.
Adding a player like Wagner to their defense sets the Rams up well for success, especially considering they still have Aaron Donald and Jalen Ramsey to help make plays. Los Angeles is one of the few teams in the NFL who can say they have difference makers at every level of their defense, and Wagner should be able to hit the ground running as soon as he suits up.
