Another former Rams draftee without a contract deserves a training camp invite

When the Los Angeles Rams hired former Washington OC Sean McVay to take over as the team's head coach in 2017, everyone expected significant changes would soon be afoot. But perhaps one of the lesser recognized moves at the time was hiring the venerable Wade Phillips to take over as the team's defensive coordinator. He was brought in to become a defensive coordinator who, as he had some experience as an NFL head coach, could be a sounding board for Coach McVay.

Best of all, Coach Phillips was a bit autonomous. That is, he could manage the Rams defensive strategies and personnel needs, allowing Coach McVay to get his arms fully around all aspects of running an entire football team while still allowing him to stay offensive-centric.

Considering that the Rams were 11-5 in Coach McVay's first season as the Rams head coach and 13-3 in his second season at the helm, I'd say it worked out beautifully. But there was more to it than incredible luck or great coaching. Ultimately, players must step onto the football field and make things happen. And one such unheralded savant of the secondary was the 91st overall selection in Round 3 of the 2017 NFL Draft.

I am referring to former Boston College rookie defensive back John Johnson III. Now, JJIII is without a team. I know that the former Rams DB draft pick has plenty in the tank. And because he is without a contract, he deserves a training camp invite. I would love to see the Rams extend him for the 2025 NFL season.

More than a player

Veteran safety John Johnson III is about to enter his ninth NFL season and has yet to turn 30 years old. Of the eight NFL seasons under his belt, six have been on the Rams roster. And for those who only recognize John Johnson III as the guy who appeared in two games and suited up for only 59 defensive snaps in 2024, there are many reasons why the team should bring him back.

Johnson is a unique type of safety, a versatile professional who does everything well. Standing 6-foot-0 and weighing 204 pounds, Johnson is big enough to rival linebackers in his ability to apply a bone-jarring thump to running backs, tight ends, and wide receivers who try to catch a pass or run into his area of the football field.

But that is the other area of expertise. John Johnson III is more than adequate in a pass coverage role. In his Rams career, he has allowed just 67.8 percent of passes to find their intended target. He has 11 interceptions, 39 pass breakups, and all the while allowing just seven touchdowns. Even more impressive is the fact that quarterbacks only enjoy a 75.2 rating when targeting him, and that is over his entire Rams career. He has a 7.7 percent career missed tackle rate for the Rams, but missed just 4.5 percent in 2023. That comes against 325 tackles for the Rams.

Johnson is the type of player who fans love to have in the locker room. He is a strong advocate and supporter of the team, is a gifted player with a superb reputation around the NFL, and is a willing mentor.

The future of the Rams' secondary is quite bright, particularly knowing that the team welcomes back safeties Kam Kinchens and Jaylen McCollough. But both players are returning for just their second season. Meanwhile, the team has new rookies who are starving for veteran leadership, the type that Johnson has made famous both on and off the field.

It's no fault of John Johnson's that the team exhausted their IR moves, forcing him to sit out the entirety of the 2024 NFL season after suffering injury. In the same sense, it makes perfect sense for the team to re-sign one of the surest tackling defensive backs who is an asset in run defense. And no matter what else is on the menu for the Rams defense in 2025, strong run defense is a priority.

One former Rams defensive back draft pick who helped to anchor the defense finds himself without a contract and deserves a training camp invite. Hopefully, the team brings him back sooner rather than later.

As always, thanks for reading.

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