Continuing their annual exercise of ranking every NFL team's offensive line entering the upcoming season, scouting service Pro Football Focus slotted the Rams at No. 4 ahead of the 2021 season.
The primary reasoning was three-time AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year Aaron Donald, whom the outlet named its top interior defender heading into this season.
"Aaron Donald's 456 pressures over the past five seasons are 86 more than any other defender despite the fact that he saw a consistent barrage of double and triple teams," PFF NFL analyst Ben Linsey wrote as part of his analysis.
Of course, Donald – who finished with 13.5 sacks last season – didn't do it alone, with former defensive linemen Morgan Fox and Michael Brockers chipping in six and five sacks respectively last season. Run game coordinator and defensive line coach Eric Henderson's group collectively helped Los Angeles' defense post 53 sacks last year, second-most in the league behind the Steelers' 56.
In 2021, they will look to match or exceed that production with new assistant defensive line coach Marcus Dixon in the mix, as well as rookies Bobby Brown III and Earnest Brown IV. They also stand to benefit from having a healthy A'Shawn Robinson available as well.
With the beginning of the new season, some new faces have joined the Los Angeles Rams for the 2021 NFL season. Take a look at the new faces around the 2021 Rams offseason program.
The Los Angeles Rams practice during OTA's, Wednesday, June 2, 2021, in Thousand Oaks, CA. (Jeff Lewis/LA Rams)
Running back Jake Funk of the Los Angeles Rams practices during OTA's, Wednesday, June 2, 2021, in Thousand Oaks, CA. (Jeff Lewis/LA Rams)
Chris Garrett of the Los Angeles Rams practices during OTA's, Wednesday, June 2, 2021, in Thousand Oaks, CA. (Jeff Lewis/LA Rams)
George Silvanic of the Los Angeles Rams practices during OTA's, Wednesday, June 2, 2021, in Thousand Oaks, CA. (Jeff Lewis/LA Rams)
