Darren Bates epitomizes that the Rams have been building in Jeff Fisher / Les Snead era. He gives 110% - which is sometimes too much- and is known for his special teams prowess. He offers some versatility as a backup and has a penchant for physicality as well, which is always a plus on this imposing defense.
Roster Battle
3k succinctly summed up the LB positions in the Marshall McFadden preview last week. Bates is at the bottom of the totem pole of established LBs on the roster behind James Laurinaitis, Alec Ogletree, Akeem Ayers, and Jo-Lonn Dunbar.