NFL Draft 2022: LA Rams select CB Decobie Durant

With the 142nd pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, the Los Angeles Rams selected CB Decobie Durant, a versatile defensive back out of South Carolina State. A first-team Associated Press FCS All-American and the MEAC Defensive Player of the Year, Durant led the Bulldogs with three interceptions and 12 pass breakups while making 12 starts last season.

While he may be viewed by some as a little undersized for the position at 5-foot-10 and 180-pounds, Durant more than makes up for it with tenacity and durability. Besides, he is a solid skillset to welcome in the vacancy of veteran DB Darious Williams.

Dealing with bigger slot targets downfield might prove an issue, though he did go up against a variety of different-sized receivers when playing against Clemson, where he managed to catch two interceptions. Fast, with twitchy feet that enable him to pounce in short areas, he is someone always looking for the ball, with a career total of 12 interceptions and 38 tackles. His size and strength may prove an issue as a tackler, especially in terms of wear and tear, but he is a solid addition to the Rams’ already stellar defense.

How Will He Fit With The Rams

With just 45 seconds remaining, the LA Rams ran their time to select right down to the wire. The Rams, of course, have one of the most elite CBs in the league with Jalen Ramsey. They also have David Long Jr on that side of the ball, and Robert Rochell on the other side.

This is in addition to safeties Jordan Fuller, Nick Scott, Taylor Rapp, Terrell Burgess, Grant Haley, and Jake Gervase. So, the team is loaded at the defensive back position already. The Rams simply needed to add a player who can develop for the future and compete for a rotational role this year.

Picking this low in the draft, the Rams were only ever going to add players to supplement what they already have, adding cover and competition for a team that won the Super Bowl this past season. They were never expected to hit the home run, an out-of-the-park big-name player that changes the course of a franchise’s fortunes. Durant offers the team added depth, primarily for the future, and his competitive spirit should make him a great acquirement for the stacked Los Angeles Rams.