Rams’ addition of Dominique Easley makes sense to replace Nick Fairley

12:31 AM ET

The Los Angeles Rams and coach Jeff Fisher have a certain affinity for former first-round defensive linemen. That love led them to their latest addition Tuesday when they agreed to terms on a one-year deal with former New England Patriots defensive tackle Dominique Easley.

With Easley’s addition, the Rams have five former first-round picks on their defensive line for the second consecutive year. After losing defensive end Chris Long and tackle Nick Fairley to the Patriots and New Orleans Saints, respectively, during this offseason, the Rams added end Quinton Coples and now Easley to get that number back to five.

Easley was a first-round pick by New England in 2014 after a knee injury wiped out his final season at Florida. In two seasons with the Patriots, Easley had 25 tackles, three sacks and an interception in limited action.

In two seasons with the Patriots, Dominique Easley recorded 25 tackles and three sacks. Jim Rogash/Getty Images

Many were surprised when the Patriots released Easley, though his health issues were an ongoing concern. Now, Easley will bring a familiar combination of off-field issues and talent to the interior of the Rams’ defensive line.

It’s an easy comparison to the Fairley signing last year. At the time, the Rams were looking for low-cost, high-upside depth …

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