The Los Angeles Rams have a long history of turning undrafted players into key contributors, and Shaun Dolac might be next in line.
The rookie linebacker out of Buffalo has been turning heads during OTAs, and he’s already earned high praise from inside linebackers coach Greg Williams, who didn’t hold back when asked about Dolac’s early impact.
“Shaun could probably take you out here and teach you the defense right now,” Williams said. “He is a quick study, man, he really is. And that’s one thing you respect from him… I think from the way he plays the game above the neck and the way that he had tackled in college, (if) he does that, Shaun is going to be another guy that will be somebody to reckon with.”
Buffalo LB Shaun Dolac
David Yeazell-Imagn Images
That’s not just coach-speak. Dolac led the FBS in total tackles last season with 168, averaging nearly 13 per game. He was a consensus All-American and one of the most productive defenders in college football. Still, he went undrafted, largely due to his undersized frame (6’0”, 221 lbs) and average testing numbers.
The Rams, however, have never been overly concerned with measurables. They value instincts, toughness, and football IQ, three traits Dolac has in spades. His ability to diagnose plays, take smart angles, and finish tackles has already made an impression on the coaching staff.
With the inside linebacker position wide open following the departure of Christian Rozeboom, Dolac has a real shot to make the 53-man roster, and maybe even earn meaningful snaps. He joins a group that includes fifth-round pick Chris “Pooh” Paul Jr., but the competition is wide open.
For a player who walked on at Buffalo and built his career on proving people wrong, this is just the next chapter. And if early signs are any indication, Dolac might be the Rams’ next undrafted gem.