For the second year in a row, the Los Angeles Rams will have a new starter at inside linebacker. Last year, it was Cory Littleton who stepped up to replace Alec Ogletree after the Rams traded him to the Giants. This season, it’s up to Micah Kiser to fill the shoes of Mark Barron in the middle of the defense.
A lot of attention has been on that void left by Barron, but Littleton is not to be forgotten. He had a strong first season as a starter in 2018, particularly in coverage. His run defense left plenty to be desired, struggling in that area last season. Barron had his share of lapses against the run, too, which left the Rams vulnerable up the middle.
That’s where Kiser steps in as the perfect complement to Littleton.
Ideally, both inside linebackers in a 3-4 scheme would be able to cover tight ends and running backs, sink into shallow zones and fill running lanes. That all-around talent is mostly reserved for the best linebackers in the league – the Bobby Wagners and the Luke Kuechlys.
The Rams don’t have one of those players in Littleton or Kiser, but the combination of the two has excellent potential. Littleton can assume most of the coverage responsibilities when needed, while Kiser steps up as a stout run defender.
We saw glimpses of Kiser being a promising run stopper in the preseason a year ago; he made 14 tackles in four games of limited playing time. In college, he was a tackling machine, making 408 total in his career – including 33.5 for a loss.
That’s not to say Littleton can ignore the run or that Kiser won’t be asked to drop back in coverage. They’ll each have to do plenty of both. But having two complementary linebackers is good news for the Rams.
And when there are obvious passing situations, Wade Phillips can pull Kiser off the field in favor of someone better in coverage such as Taylor Rapp or Marqui Christian.
There are countless combinations and possibilities for the Rams at linebacker and the switch from Barron to Kiser could prove to be an upgrade.
