Rodney McLeod: A Diamond In The Rough

The offseason allows teams time to work out offensive and defensive schemes, to study the playbook and to build team chemistry inside the locker room. Through this we see the development of many players giving the coaches indications about who might stand out in the upcoming season, and Rodney McLeod is proving to be just that.

Looking into the history of the 24 year old, McLeod played his college football for the Virginia Cavaliers, progressively playing more games each season in Virginia, starting in all 13 games during his final season. During his collegiate career, he totalled 188 tackles, one sack, six interceptions and three forced fumbles.

McLeod was signed by the St Louis Rams as an undrafted free agent in 2012, playing in 16 games during his debut season, including special teams appearances. He would eventually earn the starting slot at free safety in all 16 games throughout the 2013 and 2014 regular season

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McLeod has shown great diversity within the secondary in St Louis. Although he starts at FS, he has occasionally played at corner when called upon. At 24 years old, McLeod is entering his 4^th season in the NFL, and may hold the potential to become a leading veteran on the defensive side of the ball. During his time in the NFL, McLeod has contributed 163 tackles, four interceptions and five forced fumbles.

During the recent OTA’s, McLeod has continued to show signs of development. Fisher stated, “I thought he played really well last year. He misjudged a couple deep balls, but everybody does that. But I thought he was really active, knew what to do, and run-supported very well.”

“As an undrafted player I kind of seen things from a different stand point. And it kind of humbles you. I just came in with the mindset that I’m just going to do whatever I have to do, you know, in order to make this team”

Adding to the confidence that the Rams organisation has in McLeod, ESPN Staff Writer, Nick Wagoner explains the situation regarding their decision to make him a restricted free agent at the end of the season: ‘The team didn’t simply tender McLeod an offer at the lowest level, they tendered him at the second-round level, guaranteeing him $2.356 million and the Rams a second-round pick in exchange for him if he had received an outside offer they chose not to match.’

McLeod has climbed a long ladder coming from being undrafted to earning a starting place in the NFL, as he reflects in an in-depth interview: “As an undrafted player I kind of seen things from a different stand point, and it kind of humbles you. I just came in with the mindset that I’m just going to do whatever I have to do, you know, in order to make this team, and special teams was where my role was in my rookie season and I succeeded at that… it’s a blessing to see how far I’ve come”

Rodney McLeod is a young free safety showing good signs for the future, projected by coach Fisher as a valuable asset to the Rams’ secondary. This upcoming season holds much excitement for Rams fans, given the offseason activity and the recently signed 2015 draft class. McLeod may be preparing for his biggest season yet as the Rams attempt to battle for a playoff spot in the NFC.

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