If the LA Rams drafting CB at 104, they face a tough choice

Option 3: With the 104th pick of the 2022 NFL Draft, the LA Rams select

Mississippi State defensive back Martin Emerson is the most physically imposing of these three, but he could be the most likely to fall to the LA Rams pick at 104 or even later in the draft. His draft grade is not unanimous

Physically, he has everything that the LA Rams are looking for, standing 6-foot-2 and weighing a robust 202-pounds.  He can match up well at the next level; however, there are some concerns with his overall athleticism. For starters, he ran an unexpectedly slow 4.53-second 40-yard dash time at the combine. While could be an issue in any normal season, it is even more pronounced when you consider the fact that this draft may have the fastest group of incoming wide receivers in draft history.

Because wide receivers are not getting slower these days, Emerson’s value at cornerback may be limited to some teams. His tape confirms that he tends to struggle with the quicker, faster wide receivers, adding more fuel to the concept that he may drop in this draft.

Emerson started five games as a freshman with the Mississippi State Bulldogs and started every game the following two seasons, so the experience is certainly there. Some draft analysts project him as one of the hybrid CB/S types that are gaining increasing popularity in modern NFL defenses.

He has only one career interception and also questionable aggressiveness at the point of attack. He is even described as needing to be coached up in tackling skills. While Emerson is a willing defender in the run game, he does show himself to struggle as he takes on blockers.  He does have some real talent for special teams though, which may be where he sticks.  That said, he’s also only 21, so again, with the right coaching staff, they may be able to unlock that aggressiveness and willingness to get dirty on the field and have a little extra time to do just that.

Martin Emerson has received interest from other teams as well, including the likes of the Denver Broncos and Kansas City Chiefs.  Emerson doesn’t project well as a run defending corner but is certainly considered good enough in coverage to earn a roster spot with the right team, if not right away in the secondary, certainly in special teams.