For the Los Angeles Rams, the biggest surprise coming into the season was their rapid improvement within the outside linebacker room. Already entering with two-time Pro Bowler Jared Verse, the team used picks and the player to acquire Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett in a blockbuster trade.
In the meantime, Pro Bowler Byron Young has looked great, while Josaiah Stewart took massive strides in the offseason with his development. After their first preseason game, it’s becoming apparent that they have tremendous depth within the room, with overlooked players such as Keir Thomas and Desjuan Johnson pushing for more playing time.
Head coach Sean McVay spoke about the depth and progression of the room on Monday.
“I thought they did a good job,” said McVay. “I thought Keir and ‘Des’ made their presence felt. I thought ‘D.P.’ [Darryl Peterson III] and also Wes Bailey did a good job. Joe Coniglio does a great job with that group as a whole and they got some great guys to be able to learn from with ‘B.Y.’, obviously Myles and his mentorship here, and I think Josaiah Stewart’s taking tremendous strides.”
“It’d be great to be able to get him back out there once he’s feeling good. I was pleased with those four guys. They did a really nice job the other day and we’ll look forward to getting Tomon Fox; he had a little situation he had to deal with with his family. Tomon will be a good one to be able to see him get some more action against the Saints this coming week.”
The outside linebackers did their job, helping the team hold the Kansas City Chiefs to 12 points off four field goals in preseason action. Johnson joined defensive tackle Tim Keenan III in sacking the quarterback, while Bailey’s length was considered a promising trait.
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: Rams’ backup edge rushers draw praise from Sean McVay
Reporting by Brock Vierra, Rams Wire / Rams Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Brock Vierra, Rams Wire | USA TODAY Network
