The Cincy product could work his way into a depth role with a solid camp
Marquise Copeland began his career at the University of Cincinnati hoping to make his mark at defensive end or middle linebacker. He left after his senior year as a respected defensive tackle with a reputation for being stout against the run.
It’s no secret that the Rams run defense has been a liability and continues to be one of the primary weaknesses of the roster. That is likely the reason that the Los Angeles Rams signed Copeland as an undrafted free agent.
Roster Battle
The Rams are have yet to figure how to best employ their personnel in a 3-4 base defense to stop the run. Aaron Donald and Michael Brockers play DE for Wade Phillips, while Tanzel Smart and 2019 4th round pick Greg Gaines fighting for snaps at nose tackle.
That puts Copeland squarely in the mix for backup/reserve snaps. He’ll be looking to unseat incumbents Sebastian Joseph-Day (2018, 6th round) and John Franklin-Myers (2018, 4th round) while outperforming a bunch of newcomers.
Expectations
The Rams are clearly not averse to taking a chance on an undersized defensive lineman (see: Donald, Aaron). If Copeland can show that he can play with the big boys he’ll be in good shape.
Chances of making the final roster (6/10)
Maybe I’m being a bit too optimistic here, but the Rams carried eight defensive lineman out of camp in 2018 and I could see them taking a quantity over quality approach in 2019. If the Rams carry eight again this year, I like Copeland to come out on top of what is sure to be a closely watched position battle in camp.
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