Analyzing the financial impact of the LA Rams 2022 draft class

Cornerbacks

The LA Rams do not go cheap when it comes to their anchor in the secondary. All-Pro DB Jalen Ramsey is on track to earn $23,200,000 this year. That is nearly 60 percent of the entire LA Rams spending on their entire secondary.  In fact, that is likely why the LA Rams were interested in pulling the trigger on the trade for cornerback Troy Hill. Hill will cost the Rams just $1.5 million this year. With the Rams seeking a starting cornerback, Hill is perfectly suited for the Rams’ bookend starting cornerback in 2022.

No. 142 – South Carolina St. CB Decobie Durant – $831,084
No. 212 – Georgia CB Derion Kendrick – $738,004

The LA Rams’ addition of two cornerbacks in the 2022 NFL Draft was absolutely a step in the right direction. Durant is a 5-foot-10 180-pound cornerback who is far above average in his ball skills and moderately below average in his size for the position.

Curiously, Troy Hill has managed to earn a starting cornerback spot despite his 5-foot-11 and 183-pound size. Since Hill is on a one-year deal, I truly expect Durant to be in heated competition for his vacated role in 2023.

Derion Kendrick is a bit more typical of an NFL cornerback, standing 6-foot-0 and weighing 194-pounds. While he has the right size for the NFL, he has been discounted by the fact that he is believed to be slower than average. Much like Troy Hill, he is a zone defense specialist. His 4.75-second 40-yard dash drove Kendrick to the sixth round which allowed the Rams to pluck him off the draft board. In this defense, look for him to compete for a rotational role.

The Rams secondary is a custom fit for both rookies, who join the Rams at a price that is quite easy on the purse strings.