Training Camp! Quick tour of LA Rams 7 key advantages
By Bret Stuter
Defensive backfield
The Rams 2020 defensive backfield is light years ahead of where the team’s secondary was at this point a year ago. The starters from a year ago were safeties Eric Weddle and john Johnson, cornerbacks Aqib Talib and Marcus Peters, slot cornerback Nickell Robey-Coleman, and new additions Taylor Rapp and David Long Jr. Over the course of the season, the Rams traded away both Talib and Peters, and Johnson fell to injury. In the offseason, the Rams Weddle retired, while the Rams parted ways with Robey-Coleman.
This year, the secondary boasts a completely new roster but loaded with players with 2019 starting experience. Both Taylor Rapp and John Johnson at safety, Jalen Ramsey and Troy Hill at cornerback, slot cornerback likely David Long Jr., plus versatile cornerback Darious Williams. The Rams added defensive backs, Terrell Burgess and Jordan Fuller. This secondary won’t take a back seat to any secondary in the NFL this season.
Deeper than deep
The Rams training camp roster for defensive back includes ten cornerbacks and five safeties. Often, teams entering training camp are looking for players to step up and earn consideration for a starting role. The Rams already boast eight defensive backs whose performance warrants their inclusion in any discussions for a starting role.
In fact, the Rams are particularly deep at defensive line, wide receiver, offensive line, and defensive back in training camp this year. While that makes for some very fierce competition, it could open the door to a surprise trade as the Rams may opt to convert some of this year’s surplus into 2021 late-round draft picks. After all, the Rams are always looking ahead.