THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. -- In prior years -- though not as much lately -- Mark Barron played a hybrid role, serving as both a safety and linebacker for former defensive coordinator Gregg Williams. But the Los Angeles Rams' new defensive coordinator, Wade Phillips, is simplifying things a bit.

"He's a linebacker," Phillips said of Barron from the Rams' rookie minicamp on Friday. "He's really instinctive; he’s got great speed, and we can utilize his coverage ability at linebacker. It gives you more options as far as things you want to do defensively. If you get a guy like that who can cover people, then we’re going to utilize that."

New Rams defensive coordinator Wade Phillips sees Mark Barron as a linebacker, not a safety. Michael Thomas/Getty Images

With the Rams converting from a 4-3 to a 3-4, Barron -- the former seventh overall pick who is heading into his sixth season -- will serve as an inside linebacker alongside Alec Ogletree, with Robert Quinn and Connor Barwin on the outside. Barron was a strong safety in his first two-plus years with the Buccaneers, but essentially played both linebacker and safety with the Rams during the second half of 2014 and for most of 2015.

Last year, while sticking to mainly one position, Barron recorded a career-high 117 tackles and graded 32nd among 87 qualified linebackers by Pro Football Focus.

Barron's five-year, $45 million extension carries a combined $6 million of dead money from 2018 to '20, seemingly making 2017 a crucial year for Barron to prove he fits. But Phillips will tell you his role is solidified.

"I see any good football player fitting in, and Mark Barron’s a good football player," Phillips said. "He made plays as a linebacker before, so I expect him to make plays with us, too."