3 Rams rookies who defy NFL draft analysts by beating expectations in 2024

DB Jaylen McCollough

It's mind boggling to realize that one of the NFL's interception leaders is an undrafted rookie out of Tennessee who signed with the LA Rams after the 2024 NFL Draft. That player is defensive back Jaylen McCollough, and he is tied at fourth-place among all NFL interception leaders.

But where it really becomes unbelievable is the fact that McCollough has only played on 152 out of a possible 655 defensive snaps. That translates into a defensive back who sees only 23 percent of the action. So how is it that he stands among NFL leaders? He is simply that good.

We noted McCollough's rise to top in preseason. The problem with McCollough getting more playing time is the fact that the Rams secondary seems to be overflowing with talent at the safety position, while a bit shy of talent and numbers at the cornerback position. To compensate for the lopsidedness, DC Chris Shula rotates four safeties and three cornerbacks into the secondary to keep opposing quarterbacks guessing.

Occasionally, those quarterbacks fail to notice McCollough on the football field. That's when he strikes like a coiled python:

McCollough not only leads the Rams with four interception, but he has a pick-six among the group as well. Despite his ability to snag passes for interceptions, he continues to be no better than a rotational player in this secondary. With both Kam Curl and Quentin Lake locking down 100 percent of the starting safety snaps, McCollough splits his time with Kamren Kinchens.

Between Kinchens and McCollough, the secondary has seven interceptions in 10 games. Two of those interceptions ended as touchdowns.

While he may not pry a starting role away from either Curl or Lake, McCollough certainly has filled a vital role on the defense. Best of all, he is doing so without ever hearing his name called out in an NFL Draft.

As always, thanks for reading.

More Rams News and Analysis