The Los Angeles Rams have had some tough questions to answer this offseason. While the team has lost a number of key players in free agency, they will have a chance to bring in some young talent through the draft.
Lately, the Rams have appeared to favor players coming from the University of Washington during the NFL Draft. They signed former Huskie Cory Littleton as an undrafted free agent in 2016 and drafted Taylor Rapp and Greg Gaines in the second and fourth round, respectively, this past year.
Without a doubt, Littleton and Rapp have already made their marks with the Rams. Littleton had become the Rams’ best linebacker before signing with the Las Vegas Raiders this offseason while Rapp, a rookie, finished third in total tackles with 100 in his first season.
On the other hand, Gaines still clearly has some work to do before he can make such an impact. He appeared in 10 games last season but came off the bench in all 10. Of course, Gaines is a young player and has a lot to learn. The Rams were rich in veteran defensive players last year, many of which could have helped Gaines mature.
According to Sarina Morales of TheRams.com, both Michael Brockers and Eric Weddle played an important role in Gaines first pro season:
Probably Michael Brockers. He’s just a really nice guy, and always willing to help. If I have an issue with something, or I need to work something out on the field, or figure something out, he’s always there to help. Or maybe E-Dub (Eric Weddle), last year he was pretty helpful too. He knew his football, that’s for sure. You ever had a question about what we’re supposed to be doing on something, E-Dub.
Weddle announced his retirement earlier in the offseason so will not be returning to the Rams in 2020.
Luckily, the Rams were able to bring back Brockers in free agency this offseason after he originally had a deal with the Baltimore Ravens that fell through. Having Brockers back not only for his play on the field, but also his presence in the locker room that Gaines alluded to will be huge for a young Rams team moving forward.
With another wave of young players joining the Rams via the draft, those new players will benefit from having Brockers still in the organization to help mentor them.
As for Gaines, he could see an uptick in playing time in his second season even with Brockers coming back, so it will be up to him to make the most of it.
