Detroit Lions launched linebacker Christian Jones on Monday, and based on the style of linebacker general manager Brad Holmes envisioned during his time with the Los Angeles Rams, this should come as no surprise. Despite getting a mid-season extension in 2019, what was written was on the wall for Jones, as the details surrounding the new Lions defensive scheme designed him to mirror the Rams defensive front.
Under the previous regime, then general manager Bob Quinn chose the linebackers for Matt Patricia’s scheme that had size, power, could define the advantage and fill in the gaps – although the linebackers he chose always seemed to be lacking in this last skill set.
Apart from Jamie Collins, who was hired last season, and Jarrad Davis, who was drafted into the 4-3 schedule by Jim Caldwell / Teryl Austin, most linebackers had average to below average athletics scores.
Here are the RAS scores of the linebackers who finished the 2020 season in the Lions squad or training squad:
- Jamie Collins: 9.38
- Jarrad Davis: 9.14 – free agent
- Anthony Pittman: 6.81
- Jalen Reeves-Maybin: 5.81 – free agent
- Christian Jones: 5.33 – released
- Reggie Ragland: 4.50 – free agent
- Jahlani Tavai: 4.14
JACK linebackers Julian Okwara and Austin Bryant were injured during the test and have no RAS score.
Like the previous Lions scheme, Holmes targeted specific linebackers for the Rams, who could play with the ball or with EDGE. Rams’ SAM linebacker operated similarly to the JACK linebacker in the previous scheme, passing quickly through most snaps. The internal linebackers in both schemes played similar roles, playing at intervals, falling on man and zone coverage, as well as blitz. The MIKE linebacker was out of the ball in almost every snap, while WILL oscillated between the out-of-ball alignment (next to MIKE) and also on the scrimmage line (opposite JACK). Rams used to use different WILL linebackers for different functions.
When examining which Lions linebackers from the previous scheme would fit into which roles based on the skill set, my best guess is that he split up like this:
SAM: Austin Bryant, Julian Okwara
MIKE: Jamie Collins, Jarrad Davis, Jalen Reeves-Maybin
WILL: Jahlani Tavai, Christian Jones, Reggie Ragland, Anthony Pittman
The next question was, which of these players is athletic enough to play and stick around in those places?
To get a better idea of the athleticism of the Rams linebackers who are currently playing in their roles, let’s take a look at their RAS scores of the linebackers who finished the season in the LA squad.
Out of the ball
- Justin Hollins: 9.69
- Troy Reeder: 9.36 (initial)
- Micah Kiser: 8.47 (initial)
- Travin Howard: 8.03
- Kenny Young: 7.54
BORDER
- Leonard Floyd: 9.81 (initial SAM) – UFA
- Samson Ebukam: 9.80 (initial WILL) – UFA
- Ogbonnia Okoronkwo: 8.69
- Terrell Lewis: Does not have a filled RAS card, but all categories tested were classified as elite
This is a stark contrast in athletics between the two teams in the linebacker.
It probably also helps to explain why Lions were willing to restructure Collins’ contract (9.38 RAS) and always talked about bringing Davis back (9.14 RAS) – since both are the only linebackers of last season who have the desired athletic build.
It is fair to imagine if any of the Lions linebackers outside of Collins and Davis (who is set to be a free agent) can survive outside the ball in this new scheme. Tavai has a very similar skill set to that of Jones, but is much less athletic. Although he is still in his newbie contract, which can put him on the training ground and can give him a chance. Pittman, who is only slightly below athletic standards, must have a good shot with his flexibility in position and rookie contract. The Lions also signed Shaun Dion Hamilton during this off-season – without RAS due to injury during the test – which looks set to make it to camp, but will have nothing guaranteed. At EDGE, Bryant and Okwara should be able to transition from JACK to SAM with ease, as the roles are very similar.
Even if Lions sign again with Davis and put him in partnership with Collins and Bryant / Okwara, he is likely to be just a part-time player and more help is needed. In addition, Holmes is unlikely to be comfortable with just Tavai, Pittman and Hamilton as backups, meaning that Lions will be in the linebacker market.
The most logical place to start is with players who are connected to the Lions coaching staff and who meet athletic requirements. Here are three players that Lions are likely to be looking for.
Leonard Floyd will be very attractive, but with Bryant and Okwara playing in the same place as SAM, is he redundant? There is a history of injury with Lions linebackers, and it is possible that Okwara will be moved to WILL if his game expands, which could open the door to adding a player like Floyd.
Samson Ebukam makes a lot of sense as the Rams’ WILL holder last year – he played the role of “on the line of scrimmage”. It will not be as expensive as Floyd and would not force a change of position for Okwara.
Alex Anzalone (New Orleans Saints) has a RAS score of 8.15, so he fits the track and field pattern, and he is familiar with coach Dan Campbell and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn. If Lions don’t bring Davis back, they may be willing to pay a higher price for Anzalone.
With Pro Days underway, keep an eye out for players qualified for the draft, who have high athletic marks. Players like Micah Parsons (Penn State), Zaven Collins (Tulsa) and Baron Browning (Ohio State) would be able to join WILL. While Nick Boldin (Missouri), Jabril Cox (LSU) and Cameron McGrone (Michigan) are all improvised candidates.