What a difference a year makes for Los Angeles Rams ILB Ramik Wilson.
It’s a confusing tale for a linebacker drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs out of Georgia in the fourth round of the 2015 NFL Draft with the 118th overall pick. After his rookie season, he was released but brought back a couple of months later. And so perhaps surprisingly. he had a really good season starting in 11 games amassing 76 total tackles, three pass deflection and an interception. But last season, he only started a handful of games and would relinquish his starting position as Chiefs free agent addition Reggie Ragland got accustomed to Head Coach Andy Reid’s defensive scheme.
What a roller coaster of a career for Wilson who joined the Rams on a one-year deal in March.
Roster battle
ILB Mark Barron is penciled in as one of the starting inside linebackers and it appears that Cory Littleton (roster preview) has the first shot to lock down the other spot.
That means Wilson will have to battle a crowded linebacker room to grab a space on the final 53-man roster. Wilson will have to outplay ILB Bryce Hager (roster preview) who has been with the team for a couple of seasons as well as 2018 NFL Draft 147th overall pick ILB Micah Kiser (roster preview) and undrafted rookie Tegray Scales (roster preview).
Expectations
It will be tough for Wilson to make an impact on this roster. He is a chase linebacker who makes splash plays, but the Chiefs essentially replaced him as soon as they could. In 2016, Pro Football Focus gave him a grade in the 80s, so he did play really well. In a position that has a room full of young players, that could stand out.
Wilson could also play on special teams and at times play to provide a breather for the starters.
Chances of making the final roster (5/10)
I am intrigued by his past performance, but it will be hard to prioritize keeping Wilson if he does not vastly outperform the two rookies that the Rams brought in. As it stands, he could end up making the roster as the backup linebacker or not make the roster at all.