The Rams signed former Packers LB Brady Poppinga to a 1-year deal over the weekend. He's expected to compete with Na'il Diggs at strongside linebacker.31 years old, 6'3", 250, Poppinga has been in the league six years, all with Green Bay. He averaged 60 tackles a season from 2006 to 2008 before losing his starting job to Clay Matthews. He had just 23 tackles in 2009 and 14 last season, playing in 6 games before blowing his left ACL.
Scouts Inc. describes Poppinga as a player who wins with toughness, intensity, intelligence and technique. Also, since he's Caucasian, he "plays with a high motor". He has great size and above-average athleticism. He's strong against the run and a solid tackler. He uses his hands well and gets good leverage. He's not laterally quick and will be exposed in space. In the passing game, he'll be a liability in man coverage and doesn't get to the quarterback much, but he's an effective zone defender. He's also a very good special teams player. If Poppinga's not competing with Diggs for a starting spot, he could be competing with David Vobora and others as a backup.
Poppinga's a low-risk signing with every chance of improving the team in a key area: run defense. Though I think it's been more on the weakside, the Rams outside LBs have had their problems against the run. Consider the signings of Poppinga, Daniel Muir, Justin Bannan and Quintin Mikell: all established run defenders at their positions.
The Rams lost all six games last year when they gave up 120 rushing yards or more. They've taken great pains this offseason to ensure it doesn't happen that often in 2011.
Photo: Green Bay Press-Gazette
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