'We're Hungry': Rams LB Ernest Jones Looking to Fill Bobby Wagner's Void
The Los Angeles Rams have gotten younger this offseason as they try to "remodel" their roster. Unfortunately, this remodeling project laid out by general manager Les Snead has seen them get rid of their veteran stars as they shed big contracts to create a more manageable cap situation in the future.
That has left the Rams needing to rely on a roster that has been gutted of star power - except for the pillars quarterback Matthew Stafford, wide receiver Cooper Kupp, and defensive tackle Aaron Donal, that is. Among those younger players, third-year linebacker Ernest Jones realizes that he will be asked to fill the void of inside linebacker Bobby Wagner.
"That's a bunch of dogs. That's one thing I'll say about this group," Jones said on Monday. "Losing Jalen was big, losing Bobby is big, but at the same time, we got to kind of move on and go forward. One thing I know about this group is we're hungry."
"We got a lot of young guys that need to make names for themselves, that need to provide for their families. So at the same time, I know once we get rolling and once we get going, we're gonna be something to deal with. All eleven hats to the ball is what I'm preaching and making sure that we do."
Jones, the former 2021 third-round pick, is no stranger to stepping into the spotlight. In 2022, the ex-Gamecock proved his worth by recording 114 total tackles, four for a loss, while starting in 11 of 17 games for the Rams.
But can he be the player that the Rams need him to be without Wagner lining up alongside him?
Time will tell. Wagner and Jones were ranked top-2 on the team in total tackles, as the former All-Pro backer racked up 140, with 10 being for a loss, while adding six sacks and two interceptions.
No, Jones won't have the comfort of playing next to a future Hall of Famer in the second level of the Rams' defense, but he did say that he learned a lot from Wagner, much of which he will be able to apply in seasons to come.
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