Although the Los Angeles Rams linebacker corps was dealt a blow with the loss of Micah Kiser during their matchup against the Dallas Cowboys in Hawaii, it was supplemented by a strong performance from another young face in Natrez Patrick.
Patrick went into training camp competing for the open spot at inside linebacker alongside Kiser and others. Despite this being the primary position he played in college at Georgia, the Rams had him switch positions in an effort to shore up some more depth on the edge after injuries to Justin Lawler and Trevon Young left them shorthanded.
While he is just a few weeks into his transition, it appears Patrick is thriving in his new role. It seems he has even managed to make quite the impression on head coach Sean McVay.
According to Stu Jackson of the team’s official website, McVay shared high praise for the work Patrick and Chris Shula have put in thus far:
“Really, we just transitioned him to outside linebacker a couple weeks ago almost by necessity as a result of (DL) Justin Lawler’s injury and (OLB Trevon Young) ‘T-Young’ being banged up,” McVay said. “He’s really done a good job. I think (Outside Linebackers Coach) Chris Shula’s been outstanding, in terms of helping him develop and progress quickly.”
Patrick flashed his promise by making a number of key plays against the Cowboys, including helping Bryce Hager with a sack on Dak Prescott early in the first quarter. His potential emergence provides a rather intriguing situation for Los Angeles moving forward.
While the Rams have expressed plenty of confidence in Hager’s ability to start inside alongside Cory Littleton, it remains to be seen whether or not he will meet their expectations. McVay indicated earlier this offseason when they signed Clay Matthews that his position could be fluid throughout the season depending on the state of the linebacker corps.
If Patrick is able to show more promise than Hager, the Rams could very well explore having him start on the edge while Matthews plays on the inside. Either way, both of their versatile skill set should provide Wade Phillips with plenty of flexibility moving forward.
Given Kiser’s injury, it is safe to assume that McVay will proceed with caution through the rest of the preseason when it comes to putting in players he feels will be essential during the regular season. Patrick should continue to receive an ample amount of snaps over the final two games as he continues to get comfortable in his new spot and make his case for a roster spot despite being an undrafted free agent.
