The Los Angeles Rams entered this offseason knowing Ndamukong Suh likely wasn’t going to return. They prepared for his eventual departure by drafting Sebastian Joseph-Day in 2018 and Greg Gaines this year, while also keeping Tanzel Smart around.
Those three are competing to replace Suh at nose tackle with no true clarity who will be in the starting lineup against the Panthers come Sept. 8. Joseph-Day appears to be the front-runner, but if Gaines steps up consistently like he did against the Raiders last week, he could overtake the second-year player out of Rutgers.
It remains to be seen when the Rams will name a true starter at that spot, but it sounds like things are winding down in that competition.
“I think it’s really sorting itself out. That’s something that we’re closely monitoring and evaluating,” McVay said on Thursday. “I think Coach Henderson and Coach Bogardus are doing a really nice job with that group as a whole. But those three in particular, I think Sebastian has been a really big-time bright spot for us going back to the offseason. He’s picked up where he left off in training camp. Greg Gaines continues to gain confidence and understanding of what we’re trying to get done, playing more and more comfortable within the framework of the system. Tanzel Smart is one of those guys that can play the nose, he can play the three-technique. His versatility, his dependability is extremely valuable to us.”
Smart is likelier to play defensive tackle behind Aaron Donald than he is to start at nose tackle, which is why Joseph-Day and Gaines are the top candidates to earn the starting job. That doesn’t mean Smart hasn’t stood out, he’s just a better fit at three-technique than he is over the center at nose tackle.
It does sound like all three will make the 53-man roster, though, which is good news for Smart.
“Those are three guys that have definitely made a name for themselves and we’re closely looking at to see what kind of role they shape and carve out for themselves come regular season,” he continued.
This is one of the most important position battles on the roster, considering how big a role the nose tackle plays in run defense and eating up blocks. Without a quality starter there, the Rams could struggle to stop the run again.
