Los Angeles Rams' Raheem Morris 'Fired Up & Pleased With' Michael Hoecht

Los Angeles Rams defensive coordinator Raheem Morris reveals how Michael Hoecht has "done a great job" after being switched from defensive tackle to outside linebacker this offseason.

The Los Angeles Rams had to move a lot of players around this offseason due to a lack of depth.

Michael Hoecht was listed as a defensive lineman last season but primarily played special teams. However, he switched to the outside linebacker spot and has even dropped back into coverage a few times this season.

Rams defensive coordinator Raheem Morris commended Hoecht's versatility, as he's been asked to drop back "a little bit more than the other guys."

“I really think he's done a great job just from what we've done (since) camps," Morris said during Wednesday's press conference. "When you talk about the outside backer, you never really ask those guys to do too much covering. That's like the third thing in their totem pole. But I've been really pleased with everything he's done."

Morris said that Hoecht has made "a few plays" that have caught his attention and are a good indicator that the Rams made the right decision in moving him to outside linebacker.

"I've been really fired up and pleased with what he's been able to do," Morris said. "He's not asked a lot to do (it), but when you cover guys to the flats, you have to play some areas within the defense within the framework of the body of what we're trying to do, I think it’s really good.”

Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Michael Hoecht (97) reacts after sacking Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson (3) in the preseason / © Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

The 25-year-old is one of the very few remaining members of the 2021 Rams team that won the Super Bowl. Nevertheless, he endured the 5-12 hangover season in 2022, as many starters were previously traded or went into free agency.

Morris moved Hoecht to outside linebacker because he "stepped up" throughout last season's blunders and the 310-pounder was "the most athletic guy at the time with some experience."

"He shows great athleticism that he's always shown from a special teams standpoint and for him to get out there and to be able to go play outside linebacker for us was great. For him to use his physical presence on setting edges in the run game and do some of those things really causes some great disruption.

Morris admitted that Hoecht still has "a little bit of a learning curve" regarding "how to set an edge", but he's comprehending the issue and "doing a really good job" otherwise.

Heading into Week 4's matchup against the Indianapolis Colts, Hoecht is currently tied for the Rams' fourth-most tackles (14). One of those tackles was for loss and he's also recorded 0.5 sacks.