Les Snead sneakily reinforcing Rams secondary with out-of-favor collegiate stars

At the start of the 2024 NFL season, the Los Angeles Rams secondary was rostered by lightly recruited defensive backs. But after the latest trade for cornerback Roger McCreary, the secondary suddenly finds itself with two young cornerbacks who were viewed as the best of the NCAA.

The Washington Commanders selected cornerback Emmanuel Forbes Jr. with the 16th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. The Tennessee Titans selected cornerback Roger McCreary with the 35th overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. Now, both are competing for Los Angeles. Better still, both were viewed among the top five cornerbacks of their respective draft classes.

General manager Les Snead got the pair for a Day 3 draft pick swap.

Roster building in the NFL seems to be about the NFL draft and the NFL free agency market. But seasoned general managers know that they can get quality players for cents on the dollar if they are simply patient. And Snead can be a very patient man.

With his two latest cornerback additions, the team has given defensive pass game coordinator Aubrey Pleasant plenty of quality clay to mold into superb pass defenders.

Why is Les Snead stockpiling top shelf talent on Rams roster?

Snead is smart enough by now to understand that NFL draft analysts and scouts sometimes get it wrong. But at the same time, how well a rookie performs in the NFL has to do with the fit, the coaching staff, and the players around him. The GM is confident in LA's culture and coaching staff.

Roger McCreary's draft profile describes a versatile defensive back who possesses great instincts. Emmanuel Forbes Jr.'s draft profile reveals him to possess all of the physical traits of a successful NFL cornerback. While it's true that Forbes has struggled at times, he continues to be a staple of the same defense that has allowed just 10 points in the last two games.

The best recipes call for the best ingredients. As much as I endorse giving everyone a chance, the rookie prospects who are highly regarded have earned their reputations. Given the right coaching and opportunity, they may be able to replicate their collegiate success or even outperform it.

Many fans root for the underdog, and rightfully so. But Snead is quietly weaving a solid secondary around elite collegiate talent in hopes of restoring their football dominance in Horns. As always, thanks for reading.