Brandon

Chillar

Chillar started against the Chiefs last week and stayed with the starting unit in practice this week. Incidentally, drafting the Rams defense could help your team get off to a good start in Week One, as they face the Cardinal offense.

There was talk of Chillar playing the weak side, but Pisa Tinoisamoa will stay there. Despite interestingly being the only NFL player of Indian heritage, Chillar isn’t an exciting IDP option at the SAM spot.

Chillar will be evaluated by the medical staff on Monday.

The 3-10 Rams’ season will be done in just over two weeks, so it’s not that long. Chillar has been decent in his contract year, but if coordinator Jim Haslett wants to go with a 3-4 next season, Chillar probably isn’t in the plans.

Chillar ended his second season on the strong side with 66 tackles, 2.5 sacks, and three forced fumbles. He’s scheduled for unrestricted free agency in March, but the Rams will surely move to lock him up before then.

If the Rams replace him internally, Quinton Culberson is an option, although he’d seem likely to be a downgrade. Chillar is coming off a solid year and is only 25. He has a good chance to get starter’s money on the market.

Barnett still isn’t over the knee surgery he underwent last season, although he’s getting closer to being activated from the PUP list. Meanwhile, Chillar has been a nice surprise. “You could make an argument that Brandon Chillar is our most productive linebacker to this point in training camp,” said coach Mike McCarthy.

Desmond Bishop will come in for some packages, but Hawk will start and stay in on most third downs. Fellow ILB Nick Barnett, playing the “Mack” spot, may lose passing-down snaps to Brandon Chillar, a better cover linebacker.