The NFL offseason is a time for change. Bringing back players and bringing in new players that have to adjust to that system is one challenge. For the Los Angeles Rams, the challenge will be making the right changes to win a championship.
For Micah Kiser, he hopes his role can change on the team. After spending his rookie season on special teams, the 6’0″ 244-pound sophomore is ready to move to the defense. Kiser spent four years at the University of Virginia as a top linebacker.
Kiser has stated that this is his main goal for the season, outside of winning a championship, via Sarina Morales of therams.com:
“I want to play a little bit more on defense. Get a role on defense and keep doing what I did last year on special teams. I’m a part of that with Bones (Special Teams Coach John Fassel) and all the guys out there. I will do whatever it takes to get us where we were last year, but ultimately win it. I think that’s special about our team is that guys are very selfless and do whatever it takes. It’s team first and whatever sacrifices you got to make… that’s what I’m willing to do and pretty sure that’s what everyone else is too.”
Unfortunately for Kiser breaking into the Rams defense might not be easy. With players like Cory Littleton, Michael Brockers, Aaron Donald, and now newly acquired Clay Matthews and Eric Weddle all on defense, available spots will be hard to come by.
Of course, that is not to say that Kiser is not qualified. He managed to get in a couple of tackles last year on special teams, but was a true standout in college. He led Virginia in total tackles each of his final three seasons, and also led the team in sacks in 2015 and 2016. In his final two years, he was the ACC leader in total tackles.
Kiser’s desire to help win a championship is a great sign that he is committed to the team-first mentality. Of course everyone wants to make a highlight play, but the little things can take a team just as far.
One thing that Kiser has going for him is that the Rams are not that deep at inside linebacker, especially after losing Mark Barron this offseason. So he will have an opportunity to potentially carve out a role for himself during Training Camp this year.
