The Rams' trade this week of lead LB Ernest Jones to the Titans left a hole in the starting lineup. HC Sean McVay "indicated" that Troy Reeder will step up to play next to incumbent Christian Rozeboom, according to the team's website.
What They're Saying
Stu Jackson of theRams.com: "McVay said he feels 'really good' about the five they have in Christian Rozeboom, Troy Reeder, Jacob Hummel, Omar Speights and Elias Neal."
2024 Fantasy Football Impact
That bit from McVay might indicate that the team doesn't plan to add anyone at the position. Of course, any struggles once the season begins could change that.
For now, Reeder looks likely to start next to Rozeboom at the Lions in Week 1. Just what the playing time will be for either player, we'll have to see.
Rozeboom topped out at 72% playing time as the No. 2 off-ball LB last year but closed out the season playing less than 50% more frequently.
Reeder reached 50% playing time in just two games last season but collected 25 starts across his first three seasons with the team. Reeder also collected fantasy points efficiently when in the lineup early in his career.
He'll be an interesting option for deeper leagues. Both L.A. LBs will carry risk in Week 1, though, as we await actual playing-time evidence.
Dynasty Impact
Don't look to any of these Rams LBs as dynasty options beyond current-season value. None looks like a worthwhile long-term bet.
Other Winners & Losers
S Kamren Curl might be the best bet to wear the green helmet dot and call plays in the defensive huddle.
Whether he does shouldn't matter for his own role. The free-agent addition should be a full-timer either way. And Curl has looked like a good value in early IDP drafting.
If he does wear the green dot, that will weaken the safety of either starting off-ball LB in terms of playing time.