How will the Los Angeles Rams’ secondary shape up?

The Los Angeles Rams have high expectations for the defense in 2017 under Wade Phillips.

With the defense of the Los Angeles Rams pretty much set along the defensive line and linebacker units there are still a few questions about the status of the secondary. Trumaine Johnson and newly signed Kayvon Webster appear to be locks at the cornerback positions. Nickell Robey-Coleman looks to be the main nickel position and others vying for roster spots.

Despite the influx of young talent through the draft and free agency there seems to be no one set at either safety positions. So who will be the Rams’ starting safety duo?

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Entering training camp to compete for starting roles are Maurice Alexander, Cody Davis, John Johnson, Lamarcus Joyner and Brian Randolph. Throughout last season, this unit was sub-par despite very dominating play from the defensive side of the football. Too many big plays were given up over the top where either the player was out of position or too late getting to the football. A majority of these issues was due to the previous scheme, but will hopefully improve for the better with Wade Phillips at the helm.

In Phillips’ 3-4 defense, both safeties will be able to attack the line of scrimmage more freely and cover their zone. This is an area that each player could succeed at since majority of them are suited to play in the box. In looking at the style the Denver Broncos play, Darian Stewart and T.J. Ward excel in stuffing the run and blanketing the middle of the field in a multitude of ways.

Some formations have them playing stacking the box in rover and whip positions while still being able to drop back. Phillips’ scheme will be a huge boost to the Rams’ defense, and with the help of an extra linebacker or nickel, it should assist them in being more effective.

When taking all of this into consideration, who exactly will be the starters for Los Angeles on defense heading into the season? It’s too early to say, but my prediction is a bit different than others. I foresee Johnson starting the season at strong safety and will be moved around to cover nickel packages due to his versatility.

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The player I have pegged into the starting free safety position is Lamarcus Joyner, who was a perennial standout during his time at Florida State University playing free safety. He should do a better job at his natural position despite being undersized. As for the rest of the group, I expect Alexander, Davis and Randolph to provide solid depth and contribute on special teams.