LA Rams: Terrell Burgess is slated to solidify the secondary

The LA Rams have added another piece to the Rams secondary with the selection of Terrell Burgess

Utah safety Terrell Burgess is the latest player selected by the LA Rams in the 2020 NFL Draft. Burgess played collegiately at Utah of the Pac 12 Conference. He is an athletic cornerback turned into a strong safety. As such, he is the ideal defensive back for the Rams new defensive coordinator, Brandon Staley.

Burgess stands 5-feet-11 weighing 202 pounds. He made 81 total tackles in 2019 with one interception. He had a tremendous NFL Combine, topping off an equally impressive college football career.

Burgess ran a 4.46-second 40-yard dash. He bench-pressed 225 pounds 20 times. He vertically jumped 33.5 inches and broad jumped 122 inches.

Burgess becomes the fifth safety on the Rams’ current roster. He will definitely be in the mix to replace the recently retired Eric Weddle. Is it ironic that one former Utah player is drafted to replace the retired player from Utah?

Look for both Burgess and Taylor Rapp to win the roles as the starting safeties. Although this is just a projection because Burgess will have to win that spot. It is also just as possible that he moves into a hybrid safety-corner back position.

His speed and strength should bode well in coverages against opposing receivers. Also, he is not afraid to stick his nose in to make a tackle. His style of play should be a good fit for the Rams style of play. As the team faces more proficient pass-receiving tight ends, the team has been searching for a hybrid cornerback-safety to cover them. The Rams need to look no further.

Lance Zierlein of nfl.com gave him a grade of 6.28. Zierlein is projecting him as a roster upgrade with the potential of becoming a starter.  A grade of 6.2 or better is a projected backup who could earn a starting role.  6.28 is very close to a starter in two years.  He gives an overview of Burgess:

"… The cornerback-turned-safety plays with uncommon discipline and field vision despite just a single season as full-time starter. Teams love his versatility and ability to play nickel,… He plays with good instincts and closing burst from high safety looks …. Burgess’ versatility, athleticism and feel for pathways to tackles in run support could make him a valuable middle-round pick with a chance to find the field early on in a variety of roles."

The Rams picked four good players on day two of the draft.

Tomorrow is going to be full of intrigue. Which direction will the Rams go with their next three picks? Let’s see how it plays out.