5 Rams we can safely call busts after the 2023 season

III: DB Robert Rochell

When the LA Rams added defensive back Robert Rochell in the 2021 NFL Draft, the hope was that the tremendously athletic defensive back would be able to learn quickly from All-Pro Jalen Ramsey and be a dominating member in the secondary. But Rochell was unable to practice after injuring his wrist during a freak accident at training camp, After returning from injury, his glowing reports from training camp seemed to come few and far between

Rochell was the big defensive back bookend who stood 6-foot-2 and weighed in at 195 pounds. He was athletically strong but football-weak prospect who was viewed as a project to develop over time. In hi rookie season, he was given the chance to play, starting five games and seeing action on 234 defensive snaps. But in 2022, the Rams favored zone defense, and Rochell's physical presence was not longer suited for that style of secondary.

Rochell is still quite young, only 25 years old. And he was signed by the Green Bay Packers. But his role in 2023 was exclusively on their special teams. I'm not sure if he will have an opportunity to play in their secondary, but it is obvious that the Rams coaching staff felt that he had hit his NFL plateau.

Perhaps he can resuscitate his NFL career in the Packers' secondary. He certainly was projected to become a formidable force in pass defense in the NFL. But each year becomes a bit harder to be noticed by the coaching staff. It is difficult to make a good first impression. But once an impression is made, it it twice as difficult to change it. Change is truly the only hope that Robert Rochell has of a long and prosperous NFL career.