The Los Angeles Rams once again run five-deep in first-round picks along the team’s defensive line.
According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, the Rams agreed to a one-year deal with former New England Patriots’ first-round pick Dominique Easley on Tuesday. He’ll join Robert Quinn, Michael Brockers, Aaron Donald and Quinton Coples as first-round picks for the Rams’ young and talented defensive front.
The 29th overall pick in the 2014 draft, Easley was released by the Patriots in April. He worked out for Los Angeles on Tuesday and signed the one-year deal.
The hurdle for Easley in contributing for the Rams next season will be the health of his two surgically repaired knees. If he can stay on the field, Los Angeles could have a never-ending supply of disrupting players in the front four.
Donald, Quinn and Brockers combined for 19 sacks last season. Donald is a two-time Pro Bowler and Pro Football Focus’ reigning Defensive Player of the Year, while Quinn produced 40 sacks over a three-year run (2012-14) before injuries hurt his output last season.
Coples, the 16th overall pick in the 2012 draft, signed a two-year deal with the Rams in March. He has 16.5 career sacks. Los Angeles will likely have Coples back up William Hayes at one of the defensive end spots.
Easley, meanwhile, will be a rotational player behind Brockers and Donald.
While the Rams defensive line is stocked full of top picks, don’t forget the rest of the front seven. Linebackers Alec Ogletree and Mark Barron were also first-round picks. All seven of the players are 26 years old or younger.
Despite losing two top picks this offseason, the Rams once again have five up front.
Los Angeles lost first-round picks Nick Fairley and Chris Long along the defensive line from last season. Cornerback Janoris Jenkins also departed this offseason.
