The Sports Xchange

The St. Louis Rams will exercise the 2016 contract option for defensive tackle Michael Brockers, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported Monday.

Brockers, the 14th pick in the 2012 draft, will receive $6.146 million in 2016. That figure is guaranteed only for injury until the 2016 league year begins, when it will become fully guaranteed.

Brockers, 24, has been a member of perhaps the league’s best defensive line over the last three years. Playing on a unit led by Robert Quinn and Chris Long, he has been a key run defender (109 tackles) and offered help in the pass rush (11.5 sacks).

With defensive rookie of the year Aaron Donald returning and defensive tackle Nick Fairley joining the team, the Rams’ defensive line should continue to be one of the best in the NFL.

Brockers is the 12th player from the 2012 first round whose option reportedly has been or will be exercised.

The Rams also must decide whether to pick up the $8.263 million option of safety Mark Barron, the seventh overall pick in 2012 who was acquired from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last season.

The option deadline is next Monday.