5 hot LA Rams training camp takeaways from Hard Knocks episode 3

Takeaway 3

Takeaway 3: The Rams secondary will star in the NFL this season. We know about the team’s starters of Jalen Ramsey, Troy Long, Darious Williams, John Johnson III, and Taylor Rapp.  But this team is deep deep deep in talent in the secondary.  There is a surge of talented defensive backs on the Rams roster.  So much so, that the bar for this team is so high that great plays seem good and good plays seem average.

Don’t let that fool you.  The LA Rams boast a roster filled with players who could start on other teams. We had projected eight such players who could start on other rosters, but that may be too conservative. The news out about the Rams defense is pretty promising. The original fear is that the new defensive scheme would turn the LA Rams into a bunch of Keystone Cops, scurrying this way and that, lost the entire time.

Staley unlocking the Rams magic

The Rams’ defense is transforming from one man on man or one man per zone to a bit of a maze. A series of defensive backs with pre-scripted handoffs to other defensive backs. That creates a kaleidoscope view to opposing quarterbacks who cannot possibly decipher the coverage because it changes with each play.

In the process, Rams DBs are stepping up. DB Donte Deayon will make this roster. Rookie Juju Hughes pushing hard for a spot on the practice squad. Mike Scott is making lots of plays and should make the roster. But perhaps most of all, Jalen Ramsey playing is a strong vote of confidence Rams will do the deal. The amount is likely already decided. What remains now is the Rams finding the money to make it happen.