LA Rams Draft: Deep dive analysis into 11 top rookie roster additions

Pick 211

With the safety position facing a trio of expiring contracts in 2023, the Rams used the 211th pick to choose 6-foot-1 201-pound strong safety Quentin Lake out of UCLA. Lake is a legacy prospect, and the son of former Pittsburgh Steelers defensive back Carnell Lake. Quentin Lake is a smart, versatile, and effective safety who has the right dimensions, bloodline, and background to become a very effective NFL player.

What does the team need for this position?

The LA Rams defense plays more zone, and therefore needs a smart safety who can cover their area but can also adjust to where the pass is being thrown to help on coverage. The Rams emphasize takeaways in the secondary, and look for players who have a knack for ending up with the football in their possession.

What does this rookie deliver?

Lake is a solid pass defender who simply needs to muscle up. He reads offensive plays well and is typically in the position to make the play. But when he is there, he does not always make the tackle due to a lack of strength. That can be remedied quickly during the Rams training camp. But don’t discount his ability to play pass defense. He is truly solid in that.

This young man has great instincts. While he may not be the fastest player on the football field, he plays with adequate quickness and is able to be in the right spot to earn a spot in the rotation.

Who else was available?

LA Rams draft Quentin Lake: Here are 2 prospects left on the board

Instant reaction: Lake is a sneaky good pickup. I had to admit being a bit shocked at his projection being no higher than Round 5. He has great size, a great football IQ, and the type of collegiate career that could make him a fast-track prospect in training camp.

Draft Grade: B-. Lake is the type of player who could be a huge asset for the Rams in 2022. He will start buried on the depth chart. But a solid showing could help him to leapfrog into a rotational role, even as a rookie.