Former Saskatchewan Roughrider Derrick Moncrief is suiting up for his first NFL game on Sunday.
Moncrief will make his NFL debut for the Rams against the Miami Dolphins, according to Rod Pedersen.
The Rams signed Moncrief in August and he’s been on the team’s practice squad until being called up to LA’s 53-man active roster for Week 8. Moncrief and the 5-2 Rams visit South Beach for a match-up versus the 3-3 Dolphins. Miami will be starting Tua Tagovailoa their first round, fifth overall pick from the 2020 NFL draft at quarterback.
Moncrief signed with the Las Vegas Raiders in January, however, general manager Mike Mayock waived him in May after adding reinforcements at linebacker in free agency and the NFL draft. Even though the Raiders let Moncrief go free, there were other NFL teams interested in his services.
He worked out for the Dolphins, Cincinnati Bengals, Detroit Lions, Arizona Cardinals, New York Jets, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and San Francisco 49ers during his NFL team tour in December. NFL teams had been in touch with Moncrief and his representatives expressing the potential for workouts when COVID-19 guidelines allowed and he was inked by the Rams.
The 26-year-old played three seasons for the Riders. In 2019, Moncrief played 17 games making 69 tackles, four on special teams, four sacks, three interceptions and one forced fumble. He was named a CFL all-star for his outstanding play at the strong-side linebacker position.
By playing the ‘SAM’ spot in the Canadian game, Moncrief displayed his dynamic abilities as a defender. He can be stout against the run, blitz off the edge, drop back in zone versus the pass and even lock on offensive players in man coverage. In the new era of NFL football with footballs being thrown all over, Moncrief fits the style of player who can thrive on defence.
After two seasons at Oklahoma State University, Moncrief went overlooked by the NFL in 2017, but he’s earned a chance to make an impact for the first time in his career south of the border.
