Rams News

Lack of depth at linebacker
still is a problem for Rams
08/18 09:51 PM

By Jim Thomas
Of the Post-Dispatch Staff

MACOMB, Ill. -- Linebacker coach John Bunting knows what he's got outside in Roman Phifer and Michael Jones.
``Two solid football players,'' Bunting said.
He's got a good idea of what's in the middle in free-agent pickup Eric Hill.
``He's a hell of a football player, but he just is rusty,'' Bunting said.
Those are his three starters. Beyond that, Bunting has nothing but inexperience. Of the seven other linebackers in camp, four are rookies. Two are second-year players with a combined 21 plays of NFL defensive experience.
Linebacker depth has been a problem for the Rams since the franchise set up shop in St. Louis in 1995. And this year is no exception. The Rams have been lucky, because Phifer and Jones have been very durable. Hill's predecessor at middle linebacker, Robert Jones, rarely missed a play. But what if that changes in 1998? Whom does Bunting send out there?
Right now, the answer is simple. The Rams' top backup at their three linebacker spots is Lorenzo Styles . . . Lorenzo Styles, and . . . Lorenzo Styles.
``Lorenzo Styles is our bright star in training camp,'' Bunting said, ``because of the way he has practiced, the way he has picked up our system, the way he has demonstrated his ability to play (middle) linebacker.''
The Rams also asked him to play outside linebacker Saturday against San Diego.
``And he played fine,'' said Bunting, who doubles as the Rams' co-defensive coordinator. ``Right now, Lorenzo's my (top) backup outside linebacker. That's not what I had in mind.''
Bunting was hoping second-year players Charlie Clemons or Muadianvita Kazadi would emerge. Or rookies Leonard Little and Jason Chorak. So far, that hasn't happened.
Clemons, who has pass-rushing ability along with good size (6-2, 255), has missed a chunk of training camp with a groin injury.
``Charlie, unfortunately, is not playing,'' Bunting said. ``So he can't prove himself. It's hurt him a lot.''
And eventually it may cost him a roster spot. Kazadi has made a lot of progress in camp but still struggles taking on tight ends -- one of the most important duties for an outside linebacker in the Rams' defense.
Not only are Little and Chorak NFL rookies, but they also have little or no experience playing linebacker. Both were 'tweeners in college, playing more defensive end than linebacker.
``So training them to be linebackers, and then training them in the (defensive) system is a real job,'' Bunting said. ``I'm not sure where I'm at with that. I'm not sure if I've done a good enough job. Jason has improved. Leonard has his spots.''
Over the course of training camp, Bunting has spent more time in Little's ear than any linebacker. In part, it's because Little has unharnessed talent. In part, it's because he has so far to go.
``Leonard's learning about the NFL,'' Bunting said. ``He's learning that the NFL plays at a different speed than college. He's learning that he's got to play full speed every single play. He didn't know that.
``I didn't see it in college, either. I didn't see him full speed every play. . . . He's starting to get rid of that very ugly habit.''
Little may not be ready to play. But he will make the squad on potential -- and economics. (As a third-round draft pick, the Rams already have invested a $400,000 signing bonus in Little.)
Three starters plus Styles and Little makes five linebackers who virtually are assured of roster spots. That means Bunting must choose among Clemons, Kazadi, Chorak, and rookie free agents Daryl Bush and London Fletcher for one or two remaining roster spots.
Although he played well Saturday against San Diego, Bush was a roster long shot even before he banged up his knee in that game. Strictly a middle linebacker, Bush had knee problems at Florida State, as well. The latest injury may keep him out of the lineup for a while.
``I would love to see him get an opportunity to play with this team when his knee is well,'' Bunting said.
As for Fletcher, the mere mention of his name causes Bunting's face to brighten.
``He's a fireplug,'' Bunting said. ``Boy, he makes a lot of things happen. He's very, very bright. He's very, very active. And he could be a playmaker.''
At the moment, Fletcher's best chance to make the team is on special teams and as a ``nickel'' linebacker (used in passing situations). Asked about Fletcher's coverage skills, Bunting said, ``They're not good -- they're excellent.''

Linebackers

> Linebackers in camp: 10.
> Expected to make final roster: 6 or 7.
> Safe and sound: Eric Hill, Michael Jones, Leonard Little, Roman Phifer, Lorenzo Styles.
> On the bubble: Jason Chorak, Charlie Clemons, London Fletcher, Muadianvita Kazadi.
> Probably not: Daryl Bush.
The roster must be trimmed to 60 players by Tuesday, and to 53 players by Aug. 30.

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