St. Louis Rams Roster Preview: Defensive Ends

Oct 28, 2013; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Rams defensive end Robert Quinn (94) celebrates after sacking Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (not pictured) during the first quarter at Edward Jones Dome. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports

Defensive Ends on the Roster: William Hayes, Martin Ifedi, Matt Longacre, Chris Long, Robert Quinn, Eugene Sims

Having the right combination of edge rushing presence can elevate any defense. When a team is able to consistently provide help in the run game and get consistent pressure on the opposing quarterback without having to blitz, the game becomes much easier for the rest of the defense. The St. Louis Rams have this combination in their defensive ends group, led by Chris Long and Robert Quinn.

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Long and Quinn have now played together in parts of four seasons, and have become one of the more feared defensive end duo’s in the NFL. Long, a seven-year NFL veteran, has thrived since Quinn joined the Rams. Despite missing a majority of 2014 with an ankle injury, Long has still produced 34 sacks since 2011 (when the Rams drafted Quinn).

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The former number-two overall pick was productive early in his career, but never seemed to be a natural fit on the right side of the defense. His shift to the left side on a permanent basis in 2011 has paid off for Jeff Fisher and his staff. Long is a strong, physical, athletic freak who is quick off the snap. He bends the edge well and uses his hands to get free and get after the quarterback. He also brings an extreme toughness to the St. Louis defense, proving that by returning from ankle surgery that would have put most players on injured reserve in 2014.

Long also provides a great deal of leadership. His veteran presence does not go unnoticed, as he has been a team captain.

St. Louis Rams defensive end Chris Long (91) celebrates against the Oakland Raiders at Edward Jones Dome. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Across from Long is Quinn, who is quickly emerging as one of the elite pass rushers in the NFL. In four seasons of NFL action, Quinn has already amassed 45 sacks. This number is more impressive when looking at Quinn’s rookie season, where he was a reserve player and totaled only 5 sacks. His best season came in 2013, with a healthy Chris Long across from him for 16 games, where he totaled 19 sacks and was named an NFL All-Pro.

Quinn is explosive off the snap and has a polished set of pass rush moves. He is quick around the edge and has the power needed to get through, or around elite tackles.

Behind the two obvious starters, the Rams have decent depth players. The next option is likely William Hayes. He played a large role in 2014 with Long out, and played well. Hayes recorded four sacks and 33 total tackles. He provides a strong run defender with decent pass rush production. Hayes is a solid backup piece for either Long or Quinn.

The battle for the likely final defensive end spot comes down to Eugene Sims along with rookies Matt Longacre and Martin Ifedi. Sims saw time once Long went down in 2014, and totaled three sacks. He did not provide an ideal pass rush presence, but did get 23 tackles in a reserve role.

Both Ifedi and Longacre were growing as pass rushers throughout their careers, but saw declines in their production in their senior seasons. Ifedi has better speed while Longacre is more stout against the run. Ifedi appears to fit the mold of the Rams pass rusher a little better than Longacre, however.

Projected Depth Chart

LDE – Chris Long; William Hayes

RDE – Robert Quinn; Eugene Sims; Martin Ifedi

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