Nick Scott likely to contribute on special teams for Rams

The Los Angeles Rams have drafted another safety in the seventh round of the NFL draft in Nick Scott, who will most likely be used on special teams.

With their second-to-last pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, the Los Angeles Rams selected another safety in Nick Scott from Penn State.

Scott is the third defensive back that ended up on the Rams during the draft, with Taylor Rapp coming in the second round and David Long in the third.

Talent wise, Scott is a freak athlete who was recruited to Penn State to play running back.

As the story goes, he took one look at Saquon Barkley and agreed to switch to safety.

Scott was only a one-year starter for the Nittany Lions, with four passes defensed and three interceptions during his senior season. He has experience playing against tough competition in the Big Ten and should have an opportunity to develop and grow behind safeties John Johnson, Eric Weddle, and even Taylor Rapp.

For now, Scott projects as more of a free safety as opposed to Rapp, who is more of a strong safety.

In the short term, though, the Rams are likely looking at Scott for his potential on special teams.

Only a few other teams put as much emphasis on special teams (kickoff, kick return, punt coverage and punt return) like the Rams, to the degree that it is a big part of their evaluation of later round players.

Scott’s aggressiveness and athleticism would make him a great candidate for John “Bones” Fassel‘s kickoff team. And can you imagine the potential of a former running back on punt team executing fakes, as Fassel loves to do?

When it comes to weaknesses, Scott is a bit undersized (have you heard that before?) and struggles with locating the ball in the air. That may mean he will never be a starting safety in the league, but he can still contribute as a specialist.

Without question, Scott will have to prove his value to make the team, which is never a guarantee, but becomes less likely in the later rounds.

The Rams have shows us something interesting with their strategy of drafting more safeties than cornerbacks. Does this tell us that they feel good about their ability (and intention) of signing Marcus Peters to a long term deal?

Better yet, does it simply mean that they feel good with their depth and ability to move players like Troy Hill and Dominique Hatfield into starting roles?

Only time will tell for the Rams, but at least Scott seems like another selection with potential, even if it is only on special teams.