LA Rams no-tag on JJ III creates historic opportunity

Historic opportunity now

The competition for the starting role will be oh-so-close between these two, but I have to give the nod to Burgess. He clearly was the better of the two in 2020, and he is on even-footing this year, which should place him closer to winning the role.

Presumed Starter – 6-foot-2 203-pound safety Jordan Fuller truly was the game-changer for the LA Rams in many ways. First and foremost, he was the Rams starting safety out of the blocks after being chosen with the 199th selection in the 2020 NFL Draft. But he was more than just a starter. He proved to be a lynchpin for the Rams defense, delivering critical support in both run and pass defense.

Fuller’s rookie season is undoubtedly why the Rams allowed John Johnson III to test the free agency market. The Rams drafted both Burgess and Fuller, hoping one would fill in as the third safety in 2020. Instead, Fuller overwhelmed the coaches and grabbed the start, allowing the team to ease Burgess in as he became comfortable with NFL coverages.

A new dawn for Rams defensive backs

Right now, the LA Rams have a historic opportunity. Should Jordan Fuller (199th selection) and Terrell Burgess (109th selection) start side by side for the LA Rams at safety, it will mean that the LA Rams drafted two starting safeties on day three of the 2020 NFL Draft.

Two starting safeties from the same draft class chosen on day three. Unheard of.

The significance of something so rare happening at a time of greatest need for the LA Rams organization is incredibly significant.  Did the LA Rams’ scouting department aim the Rams at not one, but two, NFL starting safeties in 2020? And if they managed something that so incredible, will the team be able to replicate a similar haul from day three of the 2021 NFL Draft?

A door closes and a window opens. Yes, John Johnson III will likely sign a significant contract to play for another team this year. But the LA Rams front office may have already filled his vacancy with another solid NFL safety.  And any potential compensatory pick awarded for his defection could be used to land another solid player in 2022 as well.