Leonard Floyd hopes his versatility helps Rams ‘dominate on defense’

The Los Angeles Rams desperately needed pass-rush help this offseason after losing Dante Fowler Jr. in free agency and cutting Clay Matthews. Shortly after Fowler agreed to terms with the Falcons, Floyd did the same with the Rams.

Floyd and Fowler aren’t necessarily the same types of players, though. Although both came to the Rams after disappointing starts to their careers as pass rushers, they have different skill sets.

Floyd is more of a strongside linebacker who sets the run well and drops into coverage against running backs and tight ends. Fowler rarely dropped into coverage with the Rams, typically rushing the quarterback from the weakside.

Floyd hopes his versatility becomes an asset for the Rams and helps them dominate defensively.

“I’m a guy that can do more than one thing on the field,” Floyd said on a conference call Monday. “I can set the edge in the run. I can drop in coverage, and I’m coming to LA to continue to work on my pass rush, to elevate that even more.”

While fans will expect Floyd to be a one-for-one replacement for Fowler, the young linebacker doesn’t see it that way. He said he doesn’t “feel pressure to match his level” and simply wants to play his own game, doing what it takes to help the Rams improve.

“I just want to come in and play at my level and try to help the team win games and try to dominate on defense,” Floyd said.

Part of the reason Floyd already feels somewhat comfortable in L.A. because of his reunion with defensive coordinator Brandon Staley. He praised Staley on the call, complimenting his energy as a coach.

That’ll be a different feeling for Rams players, who have been accustom to Wade Phillips’ laid-back approach for the last three years.

New Rams LB Leonard Floyd on defensive coordinator Brandon Staley: "He's very energetic. I can't think of a day when he wasn't ready to go. He'll have you ready to play. It's just the way words come out of his mouth. He uses them the right way and it motivates everybody."

— Greg Beacham (@gregbeacham) May 11, 2020

Floyd has never had more than seven sacks in a season as a pro and has seen his total decrease with each passing year. He had just three in 2019, but with Staley back as his coach again and Aaron Donald also rushing the quarterback alongside him, Floyd could be in for a career year – just as Fowler had in his first full season with the Rams.