Myles Garrett barely practiced with the Los Angeles Rams this summer after being acquired in a blockbuster trade in June, and he won’t be on the field for the next month, either. Garrett is being placed on injured reserve after undergoing knee surgery, sidelining him for at least four games.
Fortunately, the Rams have good depth at outside linebacker, starting with Byron Young and Josaiah Stewart. Sean McVay loves what both players bring, and he also mentioned Desjuan Johnson as someone who will step up, but what about undrafted rookie Wesley Bailey?
On the “Coach McVay Show” Monday, host J.B. Long brought up Bailey’s name to McVay, and the Rams coach called the rookie someone who the Rams are “going to be counting on.”
“He’s another guy that we’re
going to be counting on,” McVay said. “Whether that’s making an impact on teams, whether that’s continuing to understand the roles and responsibilities dependent upon which grouping we’re in. Where is the role and responsibility that he’s playing? He’s another guy that’ll be asked to step up, for sure.”
Bailey was active in the season opener, which was a feat by itself as an undrafted rookie, but he didn’t play any defensive snaps. That was with Garrett available, but now that the reigning Defensive Player of the Year is out, perhaps Bailey will get a greater opportunity.
He was a standout performer in the preseason, racking up 10 pressures in the second game against the Saints. He had five tackles, a sack, a forced fumble and four QB hits in the win, which all but secured his spot on the initial 53-man roster.
Bailey is a terrific athlete with elite length, coming in at 6-foot-4 with 34-inch arms and 4.69 speed at 260 pounds. Athleticism and measurables aren’t everything, but he has the tools and frame to be a quality edge rusher in the NFL.
Young, Stewart and Johnson will get the bulk of the snaps with Garrett out, but in time, Bailey could get opportunities to rush the passer if he impresses in practice.
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: Could Rams' exciting undrafted rookie get a shot with Myles Garrett out?
