With Aaron Donald retiring from the NFL, the Los Angeles Rams discover themselves with the large problem of attempting to fill the void he left behind on protection.
For a decade, Donald was the centerpiece of the Rams’ defensive entrance however now new defensive coordinator Chris Shula should discover a technique to wreak havoc with out the long run Corridor of Famer.
Whereas he won’t be the identical caliber of participant that Donald was, Ernest Jones has proven actual management expertise and is predicted to imagine a a lot bigger function within the 2024 season. Jones had a spectacular 2023 season the place he broke the franchise file for tackles whereas including a career-high 4.5 sacks and 6 passes defensed.
Los Angeles selected to not prolong Jones within the offseason, however the linebacker isn’t involved and is targeted on proving himself by way of Stu Jackson of TheRams.com:
“For me personally, I’m a giant believer in Jesus Christ,” Jones mentioned earlier this week after Day 1 of the Rams’ offseason exercise program. “So I do know on the finish of the day, I’m taken care of. As long as I proceed to stroll round right here and play soccer at a excessive degree, on the finish of this season, I’ll have the chance to deal with my household within the ways in which I wish to. However from listening to from their facet that they wish to see me one other 12 months, that’s thrilling for me.”
Shula and Jones have labored intently collectively over time and the latter is trying ahead to what lies forward for him and his future:
“So I get to do it once more,” Jones mentioned. “After which on the finish of the 12 months, figuring out that I received the chance to deal with my household in the best way that I’ve all the time dreamed of, I’m excited. I’m trying ahead to this chance to guide this crew, but additionally trying ahead to it from a private standpoint that, play some good ball, you set your self up actual good.”
The Rams don’t usually put money into the linebacker place, but when Jones has one other profession 12 months because the protection’s chief then he’ll absolutely make the group need to rethink their free company philosophy.
Rams re-sign Troy Reeder in free company
On the subject of positions like linebacker, the Rams favor to handle it within the draft or a lot later in free company. Nonetheless, the crew did determine to re-sign Troy Reeder, who was a core member of the protection final season.
