Although the Los Angeles Rams did not have any early picks in the 2018 NFL Draft, they still managed to address a number of needs. Among them was the selection of former Oklahoma linebacker Ogbannia Okoronkwo.
Okoronkwo is one of many young linebackers on the roster hoping to make an impact in the 2018 NFL season. According to the team’s official website, he likened his role to what former outside linebacker Robert Quinn had:
“They see me as an edge guy who can do linebacker things and also an instant contributor on special teams,” Okoronkwo said of where he’ll play. “So, I’ll be doing what Robert Quinn was doing.”
Okoronkwo added that he is enamored at the prospect of playing with a pair of All-Pro defensive tackles like Aaron Donald and Ndamukong Suh.
“I see an amazing opportunity. With the addition of Ndamukong Suh and also Aaron Donald opening up the inside like that. It’s an edge rusher’s dream,” he added.
Needless to say, there is plenty to be excited about. Donald is the reigning Defensive Player of the Year and has been making mincemeat of offensive lines for the past four seasons. Meanwhile, the addition of Suh gives Los Angeles yet another formidable interior defender to dominate the line of scrimmage. Not to mention Michael Brockers has also established himself as stalwart up front.
This year’s group of linebackers will be tasked with carrying a heavy workload early on. However, they will have the unique benefit of playing with star players both in front and behind them.
Aside from Suh, the Rams also acquired a couple of All-Pro cornerbacks in Marcus Peters and Aqib Talib. They are also backed by a talented safety tandem in Lamarcus Joyner and John Johnson. That said, Okoronkwo and the other backers will be able to focus on simply picking up the leftover pieces that have not already been dismantled by their teammates.
