Feature Article
Carriker Ready to Help Run D
The West VA Ram
Staff Writer
If there is one thing the Rams are just downright terrible at, it's obviously the run defense. For the past few years, teams have tore up the Ram defense on the ground with little if any trouble at all. They were so poor that they finished 31st out of 32 teams this year in run defense. While they were 8th against the pass, that may be a bit misleading because since teams can run on the Rams, they don't worry about passing the ball. When free agency came, the Rams were determined to find a run stuffing DT to help them out but no one was really availible. They tried to pull of a trade for Kris Jenkins but the teams never could agree. It seemed the Rams would have to wait until the draft to address that need and they did just that. In comes Adam Carriker, a DE from Nebraska who can play inside or out on the defensive line. It is expected that the Rams will use him at both the nose tackle and the three technique, though he may experiment a few plays on the outside.
The Rams hope the 13h pick in the 1st round will make an immediate impact. The Rams have not had great success in the past drafting DTs as it appears Lewis was a bust who is now in Carolina, along with Pickett who is good but not 1st round quality and now plays for Green Bay, or Jimmy Kennedy who is in the final year of his contract and could be released if he doesn't make an impact this season. With Glover aging and Wroten's potential unsure, the Rams hope Carriker can come in and make some plays right away. Working with veteran La'Roi Glover should be a great help and being next to Leonard Little who recorded 13 sacks last year surely won't hurt him. Carriker wants to start along with any player in the NFL but he is going to have to work for it. Whether he is in the staring lineup or rotated in, Carriker should make an immediate impact this season along with years to come.
In looking at the other draft picks, Rutgers RB Brian Leonard should also make a huge impact his rookie season. He will have various roles which include relieving Jackson, blocking for Jackson, and coming in on third down. Leonard is unselfish and cares more about the team than his own self which is a great attribute to have. He moved from RB to FB his senior season to allow the Rutgers RB to have more touches to help the team. Rutgers finished the season losing only one game. CB Jonathan Wade has intriguing speed and should develop into a great CB over time. He has played WR before so that should help him over the course of the season. C Dustin Fry is a guy who could push for a staring spot against Andy McCollum and Brett Romberg. The Rams also brought in around 20 undrafted free agents who will all show their best to Linehan and company to try and land a roster spot.
GO RAMS !!!
