MLB-Is Will Witherspoon Ready?

[RamsFan4ever]

The Rams needed some serious help at the LB position and with a sizable amount of money under the salary cap at their disposal, it wasn’t all that surprising when the Rams signed Will Witherspoon, an up-and-comer widely considered to the best free agent available at that position. What was surprising, however, was the Rams’ announcement that Witherspoon would be the team’s starting middle linebacker after playing primarily on the weak side for the Panthers.

Witherspoon did see occasional action in the middle for Carolina when normal starter Dan Morgan was injured, and we’re told the Rams saw enough film of him in that role to feel comfortable enough installing him as the starting MLB in a revamped scheme that will enable him to operate unimpeded in space in much the same manner as he did for the Panthers. “There won’t be a big difference,” Witherspoon told PFW. “There’ll be a lot more conversing with the defensive backs and defensive linemen to make sure everybody is in the right place at the right time, but I’ll still be playing fast and getting to the ball in a hurry.”

Witherspoon is excited at the opportunity to play under new Rams defensive coordinator Jim Haslett, who has made it clear his defense is going to let it rip from the opening gun. “I played against him and understand what he’s trying to accomplish,” said Witherspoon, who, unlike his predecessor at middle linebacker, the departed Chris Claiborne, will be an every-down performer. “It’s a deal where we all know about the problems last year, and that things have to change.”

[Drew4EverRams]

i trust linehan and haslett`s judgement,so i`ll say hes ready!
if it was a martz/marmie decision then that would be different and id be asking what the hell are they upto now?!

[Varg6]

i trust linehan and haslett`s judgement,so i`ll say hes ready!
if it was a martz/marmie decision then that would be different and id be asking what the hell are they upto now?!

indeed, I have a lot of trust in our new coaches...more of a feeling of comfort now when we make FA or Draft decisions...

[Rampage39]

The Jaguars did the exact same thing when they signed Mike Peterson in FA a couple years ago. Mike played his whole career as a weakside backer for the Colts but the Jags put him in the middle when they signed him. Just shows that its possible to do.

[RamsFan16]

Yea and he is a Pro Bowl LB from the MLB position. But I'd rather draft Hodge and have a Pure MLB there.

[Drew4EverRams]

a pure MLB or a pure SLB thats something debatable,plus Witherspoon has played more games at MLB than Hodge has in the NFL!

Id be happy enough with drafting Hodge to play alongside spoon in a 3-4 but only if we drafted a natural SLB in the 1st round!

[Nick]

Yea and he is a Pro Bowl LB from the MLB position.

Who is a Pro Bowl MLB? I don't think Peterson or Witherspoon have ever been in one.

[RamsFan16]

Didn't Peterson make a Pro Bowl? I thought he did? Well my bad then.

[Nick]

Didn't Peterson make a Pro Bowl? I thought he did? Well my bad then.

He should have this past season, but didn't make the cut. Not a big enough name, I guess, despite putting up amazing defensive numbers. Something like 130+ tackles, six sacks, and three picks I think. I hope Witherspoon makes that kind of transition to MLB.

[RamsFan16]

He should have this past season, but didn't make the cut. Not a big enough name, I guess, despite putting up amazing defensive numbers. Something like 130+ tackles, six sacks, and three picks I think. I hope Witherspoon makes that kind of transition to MLB.

No doubt. Ah I remember why I think he made the pro bowl. Sports Illustrated online had this most underrated players article and Mike Peterson was in it. Thats why! I'm sorry Nick. My bad man.

[Nick]

No doubt. Ah I remember why I think he made the pro bowl. Sports Illustrated online had this most underrated players article and Mike Peterson was in it. Thats why! I'm sorry Nick. My bad man.

No worries, man. It's not a big deal at all, just trying to clear up the info.

[RamJackson39]

Witherspoon has already had experience at MLB and he has the strength to play it. I saw some of his games at MLB last season and he looked really good. I think he could be a Pro Bowl MLB after he adjusts to playing the position full time.

If the Rams can get a natural SLB, I'm excited about our LB corps.

[raleigh_ram]

I agree, Linehan/ Haslett would not have pick him up if they thought he wasn't up to the job. As a whole, I beleive the coaches and front office are doing a good job communicating trying to make the right decisions. We sure have alot of coaches to help out.

[tomahawk247]

getting a good SLB will really complete the defense i think

[raleigh_ram]

I almost fully agree with yeah tomahawk247...a few more rookie back ups would solidify the D.