Power Rankings: Top Post-Draft Defenses (11-15)

Dec 22, 2013; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Rams defensive end Robert Quinn (94) celebrates with defensive end Chris Long (91) after sacking Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Mike Glennon (not pictured) during the second half at the Edward Jones Dome. The Rams defeated the Buccaneers 23-13. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports

St. Louis Rams 7-9
Last Season’s Rankings: #15 Overall Defense (345 total yards per game allowed) #19 Passing Defense (242.1 passing yards per game allowed) #9 Rushing Defense (102.9 rushing yards per game allowed)

Last Season
At 7-9, the Rams had a definite on-and-off year in 2013. One week they would give up 30 or more points and then the next they would score 30 or more points. In 2013 they allowed 30 or more points five times, while they allowed 14 points or less a mere three times all season. The problem for the Rams defense could be placed on the inability of the offense, however there were glaring safety problems that should have been resolved. In total the Rams allowed 22.8 points per game last season (ranked 13th best). 2014 features one of the youngest teams in the league, but a team loaded with defensive talent nevertheless.

Run Defense
Ranking ninth in the league, the Rams allowed 102.9 rushing yards per game to opposing RBs. They ranked third best in yards per game allowed (3.7), seventh in fumbles forced (eight) and sixth in the NFL with their longest rush allowed being 41 yards. The only problem though with this defense rushing wise is that they have severe problems with touchdowns. In 2013 they ranked sixth-worst in the NFL in rushing touchdowns allowed to opposing backs (18). Still though, they ranked top-third in the league in sacks, recording 53 total sacks. Their 13th overall draft pick Aaron Donald himself is no stranger to sacks.

Although Donald’s career at Pittsburgh didn’t start out flashy and award-winning, as he progressed through his college campaign he showed to the college world and the NFL that he could be the next real deal pass rusher. In Donald’s sophomore season, he increased his defensive production tenfold as he registered 16.0 tackles for loss, 11 sacks and 47 total tackles for Pitt. While Donald’s junior season didn’t feature as many sacks as his sophomore or senior season did, he was able to record 18.5 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks and 64 total tackles. Although he may be considered undersized for a defensive tackle, I believe that Donald makes up for his lack of height with his undeniable speed and quickness. Even at 288, he was still able to manage a 4.93 40-yard dash time during off-season workouts. His use of bull rushes and 6’1″ size make him a lot to handle for offensive lineman in the NFL.

The 288-pound Donald had an outstanding senior season for the Panthers, recording an unbelievable 28.5 tackles for loss as well as 11.0 sacks and 4 forced fumbles and ranking among tops in College Football in tackles for loss and sacks per game. This season at the NCAA College Football Awards, Donald cleaned house, winning the Outland Trophy (Outstanding Interior Lineman), Vince Lombardi Award (Outstanding Lineman), Chuck Bednarik Award (Defensive Player of the Year) and the Bronko Nagurski Award (Defensive Player of the Year) all in his senior season at Pitt.

Last season the Rams had a pretty dominating defensive line with sack-master Robert Quinn (19.0 sacks, seven forced fumbles, 57 tackles and 12 tackles for loss) and Chris Long (8.5 sacks, 40 tackles and six tackles for loss) with Kendall Langford (49 tackles, 5.0 sacks and six tackles for loss) and Michael Bronkers (46 tackles, 5.5 sacks and three tackles for loss) in the middle to stuff runners. Although the Rams could have used another outside linebacker to compliment Alec Ogletree (117 tackles, 1.5 sacks, 11 tackles for loss, 10 passes defended and six forced fumbles), Jo-Lonn Dunbar (39 tackles and four tackles for loss) and James Laurinaitis (116 tackles, 3.5 sacks, six tackles for loss and nine passes defended), I feel that Donald was too good of a pick to pass up. With Donald in the middle and Long and Quinn on the outside, the Rams defensive line next season should be absolutely deadly. Donald has the skills to pay the bills…and the mortgage…and his extensive contract. Regardless of what the Rams need on offense, Donald could perhaps be the best defensive tackle in the 2014 draft and will most likely be productive for years to come. DE Michael Sam made waves for his sexual orientation, however I believe it will be his play on the football field that will set him apart from other draft picks. Obviously being a third string DE he won’t see much playing time. But with relentless work and competition he will make this 2014 Rams’ team that much better. I think that with the amount of talent of the defensive ends and end line backers, the Rams should be top-10 in the running game once again.

Pass Defense
For the Rams, the success of their defense in 2014 depends on the performance of their secondary alone. Last season the Rams’ pass defense wasn’t good, but at the same time it wasn’t truly mediocre. I’ll admit the combination of Trumaine Jackson and Janoris Jenkins was solid at the CB position, however safeties in FS Rodney McLeod and SS T.J. McDonald was a little bit lacking. In the off-season though, the Rams were able to pick up some high quality draft picks in DB Lemarcus Joyner from Florida State University. Last season the Rams ranked 19th in the league in total passing yards allowed per game. As much as I’d like to compliment the Rams’ corners, they could use a bit of extrinsic motivation. Joyner is a great pickup for the Rams because not only for his return abilities, but also his ability to tackle opposing ball carriers. With Joyner as a CB, the Rams can see some added run protection, while never having to sacrifice their pass protection on the back end. DB Maurice Alexander out of Utah State University, CB E.J. Gaines from the University of Missouri and DB C.B. Bryant of Ohio State University are among the other defensive draft selections. The reason why I combined all of these guys into one is because well for one they are all defensive backs and for two they are all ball hawks. The Rams with these picks have so many options at the DB position it is almost ridiculous. Their pass defense did allow 21 touchdowns to opposing QBs last season. If the Rams can utilize these fine picks (including sleeper pick E.J. Gaines), their defense should see remarkable improvement over last season. It is all about training camp and how each individual rookie/player develops. By week one of the pre-season, the picture should start to become a little bit clearer.

In The End
Their front seven is one of the best in the game and is absolutely lethal at sacking the QB. The only problem is allowing rushing touchdowns towards the goal-line and giving up easy yards. If the Rams’ can use all of their pass rushing talent in order to stop teams from scoring, look out. As well, with all of their defensive back acquisitions, I believe that the Rams secondary will genuinely get better as the off-season goes on. Don’t be surprised to see one of the rookies start week one and make a true splash in the NFL.