LA Rams 2021 NFL Draft: 5 post-draft surprises

III – Rams only selected one cornerback

After the LA Rams surrendered to the fact that veteran cornerback Troy Hill would be departing the team via the 2021 NFL Free Agency market, the urgency of filling that void never really seemed to happen.  Hill was a solid and accomplished cornerback on the Rams roster, and his contribution to the team’s ability to score on opposing offenses was huge in the second half of the season.

The Rams needed to replace him. Curiously, the plan to do so with just one rookie from the 2021 NFL Draft. One in, one out, right? Well not exactly. The Rams carried rookie defensive back, Tyrique McGhee, on the practice squad roster, only to release after his second violation of the NFL controlled substance. Troy Hill is gone. Tyrique McGhee is gone.

The chances of ‘hitting’ on a defensive back are increased dramatically if there is more than one rookie selected in the draft. Of course, the Rams themselves demonstrated this technique in 2020 when they drafted Jordan Fuller after drafting Terrell Burgess. It was Fuller who claimed a starting role on the defense, despite the fact that Burgess was the more highly respected collegiate talent.

Robert Rochell has the right stuff and what appears to be a perfect opportunity to make a case for an early and long-lasting NFL career. Projected as a Day Two prospect, the Rams’ patience certainly paid off on paper for this choice. He is an amazing athlete,  and he will have the benefit of starting his NFL career as the third cornerback on defense. That’s a pretty good starting line, considering he will have both Jalen Ramsey and Darious Williams on the football field with him.

Of course, the Rams have David Long Jr. waiting in the wings as well. But for the demands of a new 17-game schedule, it makes sense to have solid depth at critical positions. The Rams secondary is one such position on the team that is rather vulnerable, even with a short-term injury, to decline.  The Rams would be wise to re-inspect their cornerback depth before the season begins.