5 breakout defensive stars for LA Rams Coach Staley in 2020

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DB Burgess

Terrell Burgess is one of those do-it-all players who always seem to fall in the NFL Draft because teams struggle to slot a multiple-role player. And in the 2020 NFL Draft, this talented defensive back who can assume virtually any role in the defensive backfield fell because teams simply did not know how to project his talents into the NFL.

At 104, #LARams select S Terrell Burgess out of Utah

In 2019, Burgess (min 300 snaps):

- Had a 90.4(!) Coverage Grade ranking 10th among all secondary players
- Earned an 85.3 OVR Defense Grade (30th among all secondary players)
- Logged 10 coverage stops (T-28 among Safeties) pic.twitter.com/4L4NGdJPK6
— PFF LA Rams (@PFF_Rams) April 25, 2020

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Burgess is a typically-sized defensive back, standing 5-foot-11 and weighing a svelte 202-pounds. He is the ideal hybrid defensive back, affording the Rams an opportunity to use Burgess as a safety, cornerback, or even linebacker on defense depending on the situation. He was a starter in his senior season only at Utah, when he recorded 81 of his total 116 tackles. Due to his size, he cannot project as a three-down player. But if he adds muscle mass in the weight room without slowing down, He could find significant defensive snaps among cornerback, safety, slot cornerback, or even as a passing down linebacker.

He is a perfect complement to the Rams defensive interior when lined up next to a thumper like Micah Kiser. His pass coverage skill is on par to handle running backs, tight ends, or even slot receivers. Perhaps one of the most undervalued skills Burgess brings to the defense is his incredible preparation and overall football IQ. Not only can he execute defensive plays called, but he is very active diagnosing plays before the snap and flexing his assignment to the proper target.

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