LA Rams News: Staley’s Defense betting on versatility for success

True hybrids

The next player added was safety/cornerback hybrid, Jordan Fuller. Fuller is a safety/cornerback blend who may find his role on the LA Rams defense somewhat unique. He is a strong but slower-than-expected defensive back whose role while with the Ohio State Buckeyes was that of their defensive leader. While scouts attempt to slot players into generic roles, Fuller’s skillset does not fit-the-box so easily. He projected as a defensive back, but in the Ram’s defense could plugin as a linebacker/defensive back in the nickel formation.

He has an incredible run-support ability. For passing downs, he is slow as a safety but faster than the linebacker equivalent. The true key to filling that hybrid linebacker safety role would be an ability to add about 20 pounds of muscle to improve his durability to shed blockers. As long as bulking up does not limit his playing ability, that is.

The final rookie we’ll discuss is the one rookie that everyone is excited to see play in multiple roles, hybrid Terrell Burgess. Standing 5-foot-11 and weighing at 202 pounds, Burgess brings the type of skillset to the Rams defense that can truly excite defensive coordinator Brandon Staley. He has the cover ability of a cornerback and can play both outside corner or slot corner. He also has the background of safety and can help cover deep routes or slide over to help in double coverage to a high-threat receiver.

Burgess played for the Utah Utes, a football team whose base defense was that of a 4-2-5 formation. His excellence in that unique role at the college level is likely what drew the LA Rams to select him over other players on the draft board at the time.  Burgess fills an immediate pair of needs on the team, as he has the right chops to take over for either Eric Weddle’s safety role, or Nickell Robey-Colemans’s slot-cornerback role. His usage will likely depend on the play situation, but he is one of the leading candidates to take the field in place of a linebacker on passing downs.

Flooding the field with defensive backs who can stop the run gives the Rams a host of weapons to disguise and use against opposing offenses. As the defense surprises the offense’s ability to know the defensive scheme, players like Aaron Donald and Jalen Ramsey can work their magic. The Rams are betting on using versatile players to improve their 2020 defensive ranking. As soon as fans finally have the chance to witness it, they’ll bet on it too.