Lookback at LA Rams 2019 NFL Draft results one year later

Round 3 pick 79

University of Michigan cornerback David Long was a second third round pick and had a “best player available” feel to it.  Standing 5-foot-11 and weighing 196 pounds,  Long was a defensive back many projected as a slot defender. The LA Rams already had a solid slot cornerback in Nickell Robey-Coleman, so Long added competition and depth to the defensive backfield.

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As a rookie playing behind a competent veteran, Long saw limited action in 2019.  He played in just eight games where he took just 10 percent of the defensive snaps.  He was more active on special teams, where he played in 29 percent of the available snaps.

Despite his limited role, he scored rather well by Pro Football Focus, hitting a 67.4 for a rookie defensive back. That’s a solid rating and confirms that Long is a talented player who translates well into the Rams defensive scheme.

Look for great competition from Long for more playing time this season.  His ever expanding role in 2020 contributed to the preseason ranking of the Rams defensive backfield as best in the NFL.

GRADE: B-