LA Rams: 5 wish-list items for the defense in 2022

Item V: Turning the corner at the cornerback position

The LA Rams have two of their top three cornerbacks from the 2021 NFL season entering free agency in 72 hours and have another top cornerback set to be a free agent in the 2023 offseason. DB Darious Williams and Donte Deayon will test the 2022 NFL Free Agency market this week. The following year, DB David Long Jr. could be gone as well.

While the team will need to add some players to the cornerback position before the start of the 2022 season, questions remain as to what type of move, and how heavily of an investment, the team will make this year. Rookie defensive back Robert Rochell will have a chance to prove that he can earn a starting spot in the Rams secondary. David Long Jr. certainly stepped up over the course of the season.

DB Draft time?

The 2022 NFL Draft will likely bring in at least one cornerback to compete with Rochelle and the players on reserve contracts for a top-three cornerback spot. The LA Rams can potentially use the 2022 offseason to create the best young cornerback room in football potentially. Keep an eye on DB Kareem Orr, who flashed great upside in the 2021 preseason games.

All-Pro DB Jalen Ramsey will continue to hold the top cornerback spot, but the combination of Long Jr., Rochell, and a few draftees all competing against each other and competing against the best wide receiver group in the NFL could be the perfect “iron sharpens iron” scenario for the LA Rams.

Wishing for the best young cornerback room in football is a difficult task to measure and achieve, but bringing in more talent at cornerback can help make it happen. Depending on what happens with the offense this offseason, the LA Rams may be able to invest genuine draft capital at the cornerback position.