The NFL has a decent-sized list of elite pass rushers that are currently in the league. The Los Angeles Rams' Dante Fowler may be added to that list by season's end in 2019.
Since being drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars with the third overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft, people have seen the potential that Fowler possesses. It's just a matter of putting the puzzle pieces together to shape his game into an unstoppable force.
Last season, the Rams acquired Fowler via trade to bring some firepower off of the edge. Fowler showed flashes of his potential with Los Angeles but was inconsistent. Although, he was key to the Rams run to the Super Bowl in 2018.
During the regular season, Fowler amassed four sacks, five tackles for loss, and two forced fumbles. Two of his sacks came with the Jaguars though, along with one of his forced fumbles. During the playoffs though, Fowler kicked it into high-gear and raised his level of play.
His stats may not reflect that but with the eye-test, you could see a different version of Fowler forming in front of our eyes. With the Rams, the young edge rusher had 1.5 sacks, four tackles for loss, and eight tackles.
The Rams season ended unexpectedly in the Super Bowl after their high-powered offense managed just three points against the New England Patriots. Fowler and the defense did their part by corraling the Patriots offense to just 13 points.
Nevertheless, Sean McVay and Les Snead witnessed the potential in Fowler and decided to keep him aboard for another season. Los Angeles signed Fowler to a one-year deal worth $12 million in 2019.
This deal comes as a “prove-it” contract that allows Fowler to showcase his talents with the Rams in hopes to get a large payday after 2019. With this in mind, we could see the best season of Fowler's career in 2019.
First, Fowler gets to spend the whole offseason with the Los Angeles staff—allowing himself to get better. Second, playing alongside a wrecking ball like Aaron Donald can help him enhance his game as well.
Lastly, the Rams added Clay Matthews this offseason—who figures to help Fowler get better at his craft. All of these things combined could be the stepping stones for Fowler to begin terrorizing opposing offenses.
The Rams already own the NFL's best defensive player in Donald but they could see one mold in front of them in Fowler. After 2019, Fowler could be considered as one of the premier pass rushers in the NFL.
Again, the athleticism and pass-rushing skills are evident with Fowler but putting it on the field has been a struggle so far. That's why Rams fans had mixed feelings when Los Angeles decided to give Fowler a pricy contract.
Although, it's a one-year deal and the Rams could look to replace Fowler if he disappoints in 2019. At the same time, with everything considered, Fowler should have an exceptional campaign in 2019—barring injury.
At just 24-years old still, there is no ceiling for the edge rusher, especially on a Wade Phillips defense. Or like Michael Jordan once said, “the ceiling is the roof” for the Rams sack artist.
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