Five young LA Rams players who will shine in 2021

Defensive back

Defensive back Terrell Burgess was just about to shine for the LA Rams on defense before he fell to a season-ending injury. But he had enough playing time to give the LA Rams the impression that he would be competing for a starting role in 2021. It was Burgess, and not Rapp, whose presence seemed to settle the Rams defense down in the early part of the season when Fuller nursed a shoulder injury.

It is Burgess, and no other player, who the Rams earmarked as John Johnson III’s potential replacement in 2021. And for good reason.  Burgess has that hybrid cornerback/safety background that is critical to successful NFL defenses nowadays.  Standing 5-foot-11 and weighing 202-pounds, he has the size of a safety, but the mindset and cover ability of a cornerback.

While he didn’t hit the floor running as quickly as his teammate Jordan Fuller, he has just as promising of an upside. While just a small sample, he allowed just four of seven targets thrown his way to find their mark. Of those four completions, he allowed just four yards after the catch.  In terms of tackling, he recorded eight tackles and did not miss.

Will he be everything that John Johnson III was for the Rams defense? No, of course not. But he is a much less expensive player, has enough promise to compete for a starting role, and flashed starter-caliber play in just his first seven NFL games. Look for a huge 2021 season out of him.