The Los Angeles Rams loaded up on experience on the defensive line and in the secondary with a series of audacious offseason acquisitions through trades and free-agent signings.
At linebacker John Tavares Jersey , however, the Rams are trending in the opposite direction.
The youth movement becomes even more evident during offseason practices.
Third-year linebacker Cory Littleton is calling plays for the first time after moving inside. Second-year outside linebacker Samson Ebukam was paired with rookie defensive end Justin Lawler to form the main pass rush tandem during a team period Tuesday, with rookies Trevon Young, John Franklin-Myers and Brian Womac seeing significant action behind them.
It is a trade-off that seems to be working for head coach Sean McVay.
"We've really put them in some tough situations with how we've practiced, so it requires a lot of thinking on the move, some of the adjustments and things, especially just based on what the offense is presenting And I think they have handled it well, and I think we'll have a better feel towards the end of the offseason program and them going into training camp," McVay said.
The Rams traded inside linebacker Alec Ogletree and edge rusher Robert Quinn during the offseason, and outside linebacker Connor Barwin remains a free agent. Ogletree led the team in tackles last season, and Quinn and Barwin combined for 13.5 of the Rams' 48 sacks.
In the hopes of filling some of those gaps, the Rams used four of their 11 picks on linebackers to add depth inside and outside. Special teams contributors Littleton and Bryce Hager will take on larger roles in the middle http://www.washingtonredskinsteamonline.com/zach-brown-jersey , and players from McVay's first draft class in 2017 such as Ebukam and Ejuan Price are being asked to further ramp up their development in pressuring opposing quarterbacks.
That inexperience could be what limits the potential for a defense that added defensive lineman Ndamukong Suh and cornerbacks Aqib Talib and Marcus Peters, but Littleton expects the linebackers to respond to the challenge.
"We're all still developing, but by the time the season comes I feel we'll all be ready and we can all show that we have more to offer than people might think," said Littleton, who is getting the first chance to replace Ogletree in the middle.
Suh is emphasizing the little details to his youthful teammates, but understand that they take time to be refined.
"As a young guy, I remember you're like a chicken with your head cut off," Suh said. "Just try and take the basic things, and then elaborate on them each and every day."
Fellow veteran lineman Michael Brockers is stressing relentless effort on every play. Suh puts a priority on communication.
For Littleton, the challenge to communicate is literal. He has never had to relay defensive signals before, and Littleton acknowledged that requirement of his new position is at odds with his reserved nature.
New York Giants cornerback Janoris Jenkins has been trying to keep his focus on football since the body of a 25-year-old friend was found in his New Jersey home last month.
Jenkinsr17; brother, William H. Jenkins, was charged with aggravated manslaughter days after the body of Roosevelt Rene was found in the football playerr17;s Fair Lawn home on June 26.
Addressing the media on Sunday for the first time about the death, Jenkins said he has not spoken to his brother since he was arrested by New York State Police late last month. He reiterated that he was not in the house when Rene died.
r1;My main focus has always been football,r1; Jenkins said. r1;Things that happened, I canr17;t control, because I wasnr17;t there. Just coming back, being with my team, just being excited to be there. r30; I havenr17;t talked to (his brother), but I will, see where his head was at Ivan Provorov Jersey , and as far as that, Ir17;ll leave it at that. Itr17;s shocking. But, you know, Ir17;ve still got to come and play football.r1;
Janoris Jenkins, who is entering his third season with the Giants after signing a five-year, $62.5 million contract as a free agent, refused to say much else about the incident.
r1;It is difficult but at the end of the day you have to be a pro,r1; Janoris said. r1;Things are going to happen in life. Some things you canr17;t control and this is one of those situations.r1;
Jenkins has been focused since the Giants starting practicing four days ago. He had an interception on the first day.
r1;It doesnr17;t make me feel like I am ready,r1; Jenkins said. r1;It makes me feel like I am taking steps to being ready. Like, I said continuing to work, getting better and being there for my team.r1;
Like the Giants (3-13), Jenkins struggled last season. He was suspended for a game for violating team rules in late October and eventually had his season end in late November by an ankle injury that required surgery.
Jenkins said he spent the offseason strengthening his ankle and he is excited about the 3-4 defense that new coordinator James Bettcher has installed.
r1;Itr17;s aggressive Kevin Shattenkirk Jersey , lets players play a little and not be robots,r1; Jenkins said, adding he also has been impressed with the new business-like attitude that fellow cornerback Eli Apple has displayed so far.
Jenkins also is enjoying the opportunity to play against star receiver Odell Beckham Jr. in practice every day.
r1;It just feels good because you know you can compete in practice against a top receiver,r1; said Jenkins, who has 16 interceptions in six seasons. r1;Me and him going at it every day; he is going to win, I am going to win. He might win the whole day, I might win. But it is only getting us better.r1;
