Rams training camp preview: Who steps up at inside linebacker?
There's a lot to be sorted out at this spot, and while it may not be a highly prioritized position for Sean McVay and Les Snead, it is a critical role on defense. So who will emerge as the two starters? And who will remain on the field as a three-down linebacker once the season begins?
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Training camp will help the Rams figure things out at a wide-open position.
Roster locks
Omar Speights
Nate Landman
Chris Paul Jr.
Speights took over as a starter next to Christian Rozeboom after Troy Reeder got hurt, maintaining his grip on that role through the end of the season. Landman was a free-agent addition following his stint with the Falcons, while Paul was a fifth-round pick out of Ole Miss.
All three should be locks to make the team despite none of them being certain to be starters on defense.
Likely to make it
None
Reeder was close to making this tier, especially with his special teams value, but there's no guaranteed the Rams will even keep four inside linebackers. They could go with just three to start the year in hopes of stashing Reeder on the practice squad if he clears waivers (which he should).
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On the bubble
Troy Reeder
Elias Neal
Shaun Dolac
Tony Fields II
Reeder probably has the edge over the other three linebackers in this group, simply because he's a former starter on defense. But he regressed last year and fell out of favor, with the Rams opting not to activate him off IR despite having the opportunity to in the postseason.
Dolac is the only undrafted rookie at inside linebacker but he's certainly not someone to overlook after the career he had at Buffalo.
Position battle to watch
Speights vs. Landman vs. Paul vs. Reeder
It's possible this will be a four-for-two deal: four players competing for two starting spots. The pecking order could be just as it's listed above, with Speights having the first crack at a starting job and Landman close behind him. Paul will need to earn his stripes as a fifth-round rookie but the promise is certainly there; he's the most athletic linebacker on the team.
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Potential sleeper
Shaun Dolac
Dolac had an FBS-leading 168 tackles at Buffalo last season, along with five interceptions, 6.5 sacks and 19 tackles for a loss. He was all over the field and he'll try to keep up that reputation as a member of the Rams in training camp.
In such a wide-open position group, Dolac has a chance to make some noise this summer.
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This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: Rams training camp: Who steps up at inside linebacker?
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