POTENTIAL ROLE AS A ROOKIE

But as Phillips said on draft day, Gaines has a chance to come in and earn the nose tackle role in Los Angeles’ base 3-4. According to Rams scouts and coaches, Gaines was a strong run stuffer at Washington, which is a big part of why L.A. wanted him.

In four collegiate seasons, Gaines recorded 21.5 tackles for loss, including 7.5 in his senior season of 2018. Gaines is the type of player who can take up double teams, allowing players around him — like Donald and the club’s linebackers — the space and freedom to make more plays.

That’s especially against the run, where Los Angeles surrendered a league-worst 5.1 yards per carry in the regular season last year. The Rams definitely want to improve upon that number, and Gaines has a chance to be a significant factor.