The Los Angeles Rams are facing a daunting task as they seek to fill the void left by Aaron Donald’s retirement. While part of their strategy involves leveraging existing talent, such as Bobby Brown III, there’s an evident effort to elevate his role within the team.
In a recent interview with Stu Jackson of TheRams.com, Brown shed light on his evolving responsibilities: “I’ve been more of a run-stuff guy since I got to college, even though I had five sacks my last year. Once I got here, I haven’t played a third down to rush the passer. So now it’s just a whole different world, being able to play my game going to a different world I haven’t played in awhile, but it’s fun.”
Historically, Brown has been deployed primarily as a two-down run-stuffing nose tackle, confined to base formations and rarely making an impact as a pass rusher. However, the Rams are exploring avenues to unleash his potential on all three downs, a role he hasn’t embraced since his college days.
Should the Rams successfully cultivate Brown’s pass-rushing prowess, it could unlock new possibilities for their defensive schemes. By slotting him as the team’s 1-technique in sub-package looks, it would allow for Kobie Turner and Braden Fiske to thrive at the three-technique position, where their skills are better suited.
Nevertheless, this transition is a work in progress. Brown’s collegiate career didn’t showcase notable pass-rushing abilities, and his NFL tenure has prioritized his strengths against the run. While the Rams have a track record of developing talent, Brown’s evolution into a versatile force would be a pleasant surprise.
Reflecting on his preparation for the upcoming season, Brown emphasized the importance of self-discipline: “Just being hard on myself, being more detailed. But as far as how I feel, I don’t feel no type of way. Pressure makes diamonds.”
As the Rams navigate this defensive makeover, Brown’s development could be a game-changer in their quest for success. And who knows? With the right polish, he might just shine bright as a diamond in the rough.
