5 players who Rams need to be great in 2020

4. Terrell Lewis

Clay Matthews may have been a one-trick pony for the Rams in 2019, but he did his trick rather well. Replacing the eight sacks he gave the defense in just 13 games is a priority for this team moving forward.

Terrell Lewis is the guy who will get the first chance to fill Matthews’ shoes. He struggled to stay healthy at Alabama, but he was very productive when he could stay on the field for Nick Saban. He flashed really explosive pass rushing ability off the edge during his collegiate career.

The Rams coaching staff would be wise to keep things simple for Lewis in year one. His role should be confined to being a pass rusher from the outside linebacker position. Expecting him to be a true three-down linebacker early in his career could overwhelm him.

If the Rams are going to let Lewis be a specialist, he needs to provide them instant production in his vertical. That means he must be a legitimate sack artist in 2020. Flirting with double-digit sacks would be a major boost to this defense.