The Los Angeles Rams look to build on the success of their surprising 2023 season. Of course, that includes a deep playoff run. The team built around their offensive line to protect Matthew Stafford and bolster the gap-blocking scheme that fueled their rushing success late in the season.
But on the other side of the ball, they lost Aaron Donald and defensive coordinator, Raheem Morris. The Rams have used the draft over the last two seasons to build the defensive line. For the secondary, though, they sought out low-cost veterans to protect the back end.
Will The Los Angeles Rams Secondary Depth Cost Them A Shot At The Super Bowl?
And that is what the 33rd Team’s, Ian Valentino thinks is a liability for the Rams Super Bowl hopes, calling the team’s approach to the secondary, piecemeal.
“The one position group where Los Angeles piecemealed the current corps together was at cornerback. It brought in a familiar face in Darious Williams, who was successful with the Rams previously before going to Jacksonville, and former Bills star Tre’Davious White.
White’s health will be critical for the defense to become very good. He was once among the most gifted cornerbacks in the league, but a torn ACL and Achilles effectively ended his Buffalo tenure. He’s played in only 10 games in the last two years.
If White can’t be a formidable starter, the depth chart will rely on many recent late-round picks to produce competition. Cobie Durant is likely the best of the bunch.”
Valentino also listed Jerry Jacobs as a quality depth piece. The Rams signed Jacobs early in training camp after Williams and Derion Kendrick suffered injuries. They released him on August 20th.
The remaining depth at cornerback is made up of Tre Tomlinson, a sixth-rounder, Russ Yeast from the seventh, and four undrafted free agents.
On paper, it certainly doesn’t imbue much confidence, but the Rams have had a knack for developing late-round and undrafted talent. For example, 2022 sixth-round draft pick, Quentin Lake is expected to start as the team’s nickel corner.
