4 things to know about new Rams OLB Leonard Floyd

Leonard Floyd has played for the Rams’ defensive coordinator before.

He’s a better run defender than pass rusher

Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

Floyd only has 18.5 career sacks in four seasons and his numbers have decreased each year: 7.0 in 2016, 4.5 in 2017, 4.0 in 2018 and 3.0 this past season. That’s not an encouraging trend, but outside linebackers are asked to do more than just rush the passer. They also have to stop the run, which Floyd does an excellent job of.

It’s part of the reason he plays LOLB, lining up on the strong side of the formation. He consistently takes on bigger blockers and uses his length to separate from linemen and tight ends.

Last season, he earned a grade of 73.3 against the run, while his pass-rush grade was only 61.4, according to PFF.