Dante Fowler (DE)
Injury wiped out half of Fowler’s 2017 season and Jacksonville felt comfortable enough with what they had on hand, that they shipped him out to the Rams after seven games this year.
Like Aaron Lynch, the lack of opportunity has been Fowler’s biggest obstacle, since the talent is very clearly there – talent that led Jacksonville to make him the third overall pick in the 2015 Draft.
In 40 career games to date, Fowler has made just one start. One. And despite that paltry playing time, he’s still put up some decent numbers. For his career, Fowler has 63 tackles (50 solo), 15 tackles for a loss, six passes defensed, three forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries, a touchdown, and 14 total sacks.
2017 was the high point in his career, when he recorded eight sacks, despite starting just one game.
Given the depth of talent in Los Angeles, Fowler likely won’t see a big increase in playing time, but once the Rams’ season is over, he’s scheduled to hit the open market. Don’t be surprised to see the Rams make a play to keep him, but Gruden and McKenzie should think long and hard about making a run at him.
At six-foot-three, 255 pounds, he’s got great size and length. He’s got speed and power, and at 24 years old, he’s got plenty of tread left on his tires.
Adding a guy like Fowler to Oakland’s defensive front would instant upgrade and could help put some teeth into a toothless, punchless pass rush.