7 LA Rams who desperately need a strong effort against Raiders

V: DB Robert Rochell

When it comes to the chances of defensive back Robert Rochell of showing up and contributing in a solid rotational role, nobody wants it more than the LA Rams. After all, Rochell was drafted in Round 4 of the 2021 NFL Draft, and his 6-foot-2 195-pound frame is ideally suited to handle not only wide receivers, but to take on tight ends as well. And yet, his role has diminished with the Rams as the team has needed him to step up.

Is third time a charm? Let's hope so. 2023 is Robert Rochell's third and perhaps final season with the Rams. It's clear that the Rams want to see more from the young defensive back. The problem is that he may not be up to delivering.

Can Rochel turn it around in time?

In the Rams first preseason game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Rochell played a healthy dose of 29 defensive snaps. Only rookie Tre Tomlinsnon and Jordan Jones played more. But while Jones recorded five tackles in the game, Rochell ended the day with just two tackles.

Robert Rochell has his moments. He made a spectacular play in 2021 against the Chicago Bears in pass coverage. Later that same year he made the highlight reels by keeping a punt out of the endzone, allowing his teammates to down the ball at the one-yard line against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

But this is now, and the Rams have already replaced Rochell on the team's starting lineup with veteran defensive back Ahkello Witherspoon. Rochell simply has no more ground to give up in terms of playing time. He must either step up in a huge way, or he will need to set back and watch younger players jump over him in terms of playing time.