The Los Angeles Rams’ top five targets in 2017 NFL Free Agency, including a 1,000-yard wide receiver from the Washington Redskins.
The Rams can make their first year back in Los Angeles a successful one by making some shrewd signings in 2017 NFL Free Agency. It will mean equipping rookie head coach Sean McVay and second-year quarterback Jared Goff with new weapons for the passing game.
Defensively, the onus must be on giving new coordinator Wade Phillips pieces suitable for his pressure-crazed version of the 3-4.
Fortunately, this year’s veteran market is loaded with options for a Rams side with $20,274,280 worth of salary cap space, according to OverTheCap.com. Find out which five free agents the Rams should bring to Hollywood this offseason:
5. Gerald Hodges, ILB
Phillips needs inside linebackers who can blitz and also handle man-coverage responsibilities. Gerald Hodges has proved he can do both with the San Francisco 49ers.
In fact, Hodges is a linebacker who never needs to leave the field, per Gregg Rosenthal and Chris Wesseling of the league’s official website:
"Inside linebacker used to be one of those positions teams believed you could find anywhere. Yet, there are scant few respectable options that can play three downs in today’s NFL. Hodges is one of them."
The Phillips version of the 3-4 puts a lot of pressure on the men in the middle. A high percentage of five- and six-man pressures means at least one of the inside ‘backers has to lock up underneath receivers in coverage.
Phillips also gives his middle linebackers ‘Green Dog’ privileges, meaning they are free to blitz if their assigned receiver stays in to block rather than release on a pass pattern.
This dual, all-action role demands versatile athletes. Brandon Marshall and Danny Trevathan fit the bill superbly for Phillips and the Denver Broncos in 2015.
Yet the Rams don’t have these types on the roster beyond Alec Ogletree. The franchise also doesn’t boast the resources under the cap to sign Dont’a Hightower or Zach Brown, the two premier free agents at this position.
Taking Hodges away from NFC West rival the 49ers would be a more than adequate consolation.