NFL: St. Louis Rams will be in the playoffs in 2014 if…

And: The Rams’ defense can become more than a great pass-rushing unit. In 2012, Fisher’s team tied for the league lead with 52 sacks. This past season, the Rams were even better with 53 quarterback traps. Do the math and that’s 105 sacks in 32 contests.

But the pressure applied by defensive ends Chris Long (20.0) and Robert Quinn (29.5), as well as defensive tackle Michael Brockers (9.5), that trio alone combining for 59 of the team’s sack total the last two seasons.

Still, all that heat on opposing signal-callers have not made the Rams’ defense fearsome. The club has totaled only 31 interceptions the last two years and has forced just 50 turnovers over that stretch.

Now add first-round pick and defensive tackle Aaron Donald to the equation. He eventually figures to start next to Brockers, giving the team four first-round draft choices on its defensive front. In 2012, St. Louis was a mediocre 15th in the league vs. the run and a year ago gave up the ninth-fewest rushing yards in the NFL.

With a talent-laden front four and productive linebackers such as James Laurinaitis and 2013 rookie standout Alec Ogletree, along with the addition of new defensive coordinator Gregg Williams, the Rams have an opportunity to take the next step in terms of establishing themselves as one of the premier units in the entire league.