Where LA Rams starting safety is concerned, that’s a Rapp
By Bret Stuter
Rapp recognition
So strong was Rapp’s 2019 performance, that he has been named by CBSSports as their breakout player for 2020. His rookie season was not only learning the NFL, new coaches, and the role he was assigned, but the team virtually swapped out the two season-starting cornerbacks in midseason, replacing veterans Aqib Talib and Marcus Peters with Jalen Ramsey and Troy Hill. You can check out his rookie highlights here.
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Surprisingly, Rapp tied for the team lead in interceptions with two. Of course, he tied five other teammates for that honor, but that’s a fairly impressive showing for a rookie. The number that jumps out at me was his pass defense. Targetted 62 times, he allowed just 38 completions. And despite his safety role, he allowed an average of just 9.8 yards per completion. That is good enough for just a 61.3 percent completion rate. Simply an outstanding rate.
Workout warrior
Not only that, but Rapp is a true workout warrior. In May 2020, he successfully took on the 10,000 calorie challenge. That consisted of a 125-mile bike ride, swimming 1.25 miles, hiking 4 miles, and running three miles. That is all in one day. Whew!
While that was without pads, it demonstrates the endurance he possesses to remain in the game from start to finish.