May 18--The Rams added depth to the defensive line Tuesday, signing tackle Dominique Easley, a former first-round pick released last month by the New England Patriots.
Easley worked out for the Rams last week, a person with knowledge of the situation said.
Easley, 24, played at Florida and was the 29th pick in the 2014 draft despite suffering torn ligaments in both knees during his college career. Both of his seasons with the Patriots ended with Easley placed on the injured list.
The 6-foot-2, 288-pound Easley had one sack and an interception in 11 games in 2014, but he suffered a knee injury. Last season, he had two sacks in 11 games but suffered a quadriceps injury.
Easley is the second former first-round pick the Rams added to the defensive line this off-season. In March, they signed end Quinton Coples, a 2012 selection by the New York Jets.
Easley is expected to back up tackles Aaron Donald and Michael Brockers, both of whom were first-round picks. Nick Fairley, who filled that role last season, signed a free-agent contract with the New Orleans Saints.
Easley joins a line that also includes end Robert Quinn, a first-round pick in 2011, and ends William Hayes and Eugene Sims.
