LA Rams News: Look into next season’s defensive backfield

LA Rams News: 2021 defensive backfield is completely up in the air

The LA Rams have one of the most accomplished and underrated defensive secondaries in the NFL this season. In fact, the team’s defensive backfield may be the best in professional football this season.  But what of next year? Ah, that’s the multi-million dollar question, isn’t it? The team is bringing back a solid group of starters from last season, each of whom is arguably in line for a Pro Bowl nomination this year.

The Rams will line up Troy Hill and Jalen Ramsey at cornerback, Darious Williams in the slot, and John Johnson III and Taylor Rapp at safety.  By this time next season, the Rams could be looking at just Taylor Rapp.  Wow, that’s a lot of change. What can the Rams do to prepare for that much change in one year? Well, in terms of expiring contracts, add CB Donte Deayon to the list.  That’s five defensive backs, four of who are projected to be this year’s starters.

Big year for backups

While the Rams will work hard to re-sign Ramsey, even as pressure mounts, the Rams will not be able to retain all four players with an expiring contract next year.  That means that the Rams will be very focused upon developing players to step up next year.  That means developing and rotating in defensive backs Terrell Burgess, David Long, Adonis Alexander, Tyrique McGhee, Nick Scott, Jordan Fuller, Juju Hughes, and Jake Gervase will be very important for the Rams next season.

Of course, the key to the defensive secondary is signing Ramsey.  After that, the Rams will have Rapp returning at safety. The Rams added two rookies in 2020 in Terrell Burgess and Jordan Fuller, both of whom will be competing for defensive snaps next year.

The battles in this year’s training camp are for a roster spot this year. Perhaps even more critical is the battle for next year’s starters.