Rams Roster: Fast 40+ LA Rams roster roundup CB Tre'Vius Hodges-Tomlinson (#9)

With the arrival of the 2023 NFL season, perhaps no area was impacted more on the LA Rams roster than the secondary. Almost immediately after the 2022 NFL season was over, NFL rumors began to cite the LA Rams interest in trading away long time All-Pro DB Jalen Ramsey. But that was just the tip of the iceberg.

In terms of exodus, the entire starting secondary for the LA Rams is gone. Ramsey was traded to the Miami Dolphins. DB Troy Hill remains unsigned as a free agent. DB David Long Jr. signed a one-year deal with the Las Vegas Raiders. Safety Taylor Rapp is competing with the Buffalo Bills this year. Safety Nick Scott has signed on with the Cincinnati Bengals.

In terms or returning talent, the Rams have a handful of players who have experience in NFL pass defense, but the roster remains wide open to rookies who stand out.

A quick summary

The Rams clearly needed to replenish the Rams roster during the 2023 NFL Draft. But the shopping list was long, even too long for 14 selections. The Rams did find one defensive back who fell all the way to Round 6 who, in the eyes of many, was projected as high as a Day 2 rookie selection. Of course, I'm talking about TCU outstanding cornerback Tre'Vius Hodges-Tomlinson, or more frequently referred to as Tre Tomlinson.

While there is almost no way that the Rams could have knowns that Tre Tomlinson was going to remain on the board until they were able to select him, the fact that he was there truly turned the Rams rookie draft class from an 'Ahhhh. . . " to a "Whoa! This is incredilble . . ."

The Rams may have selected just one defensive back in the 2023 NBA Draft, but I don't think that the Rams front office could have done a better job of landing a more talented player at a position that translates into such high value for the team. Seriously. A great find at an incredible spot. But, there are some challenges to Tre Tomlinson's NFL potential, so let's address those right out of the gate:

What I don't like about this pick

If there are concerns about durability on the Rams roster over WR Tutu Atwell, then those same concerns must extend to DB Tre Tomlinson as well. Tutu Atwell is listed as 5-foot-9 and 165 pounds on the Rams roster while Tre Tomlinson is listed as 5-foot-9 and 180 pounds. While comparable, the defensive back role in the NFL is a much more physical and punishing position.

Not only must a defensive back cover wide receivers and tight ends who could be 6-foot-3 and 220 pounds or larger, but cornerbacks must also be able to take on blockers in screenplays and perimeter running plays on a regular basis as well.

He cannot replace Ramsey in Rams secondary

Because he is frequently overmatched in terms of size, he can get a bit handsy in coverage. That can lead to mental mistakes, as he was called for 14 penalties in 2022 alone. While The Rams will love aggressive play in the secondary, excessive penalties will land Tomlinson back on the bench pretty quickly.

The LA Rams top priority for the secondary had to be finding someone who could fill the role vacated by All-Pro defensive back Jalen Ramsey. Not only was Ramsey outstanding in pure pass coverage, but his size at 6-foot-1 and 208 pounds allowed him to take on tall wide receiver, robust tight ends, and even the occasional offensive lineman leading a sweep. That role is not something that the Rams can expect Tre Tomlinson to fill.

What I like about this pick

Whenever a rookie prospect is a bit of an anomaly, NFL general managers tend to shy away from them. Of course, the Rams have had some experience with smaller defensive backs, But we'll get to that in a minute. For now, let's consider the raw athleticism of this TCU defensive back:

Solid athleticism can only take a player so far. The game of football is far more complex and physically demanding than a track and field meet. That is true if their measurables do not fit certain parameters, if they have a medical flag, or even if their NCAA football production was underwhelming. For Tre Tomlinson, it was the fact that he was well below the 6-foot-0 height that many NFL teams are looking for in a defensive back. But it's that uncertainty that allowed Tomlinson to fall into the Rams' lap in Round 6.

1. Did the LA Rams land a secondary starter at 182 in Tre Tomlinson?

Tre Tomlinson has many of the qualities of former Rams standout DB Darious Williams.

2. Might Rams rookie DB Tre Tomlinson win DROY?

With an abundance of rookies flooding the Rams roster, and plenty of opportunities, could Rams DB Tre Tomlinson be in DROY running?

3. 4 Rams rookies with a chip on their shoulder

Despite projections to be selected as high as Round 2, LA Rams defensive back Tre Tomlinson will use his Round 6 selection as motivation this year.

He was a major defensive presence on the football field for the TCU Horned Frogs in 2022. In fact, He allowed just 34.6 percent of the passes targeting his receiver to find their mark in 2022. That is simply outstanding work, and one of the key reasons why TCU competed in the 2022 NCAA Playoffs.

Regardless of size or athleticism, the litmus test for any rookie prospect is how well did they play football when given the chance. There is simply no concerns out of his college footage for Tomlison's productive potential, as he showed up huge in games time and time again.

What I love about this pick

If you want the LA Rams secondary to be a bit more aggressive in 2023, then the team landed the right guy for the job in Tomlinson. Unlike his Rams counterparts, Tomlinson was his most dangerous when he played press man coverage, and that showed up time and time again in his ability to break up short and intermediate routes on pass plays.

What I find even more encouraging in his reaction to being selected by the Rams organization. While he was clearly disappointed in falling to Round 6, his statement is more focused on repaying the Rams trust in him. That screams 'We" over 'Me" to me.

There is a lot to be said about what a player is capable of. But what about what they can do? For that I turn to former Ramblin Fan contributor and his impressive assessment of what Tre Tomlinson brings to the LA Rams defense:

It's quite clear that Tre Tomlinson is a perfect rookie for returning Defensive Backs Coach Aubrey Pleasant. Pleasant loves aggressive play in the Rams secondary, and Tomlinson loves to engage receivers early and stick to them like Velcro.

What are his chances of making the roster?

He is behind second-year Derion Kendrick, who remains out with a hamstring injury. With that, you could look for Tre Tomlinson to start for the Rams defense on opening day. He is a sure-fire lock to make the Rams 53-man roster. In fact, I'd say that his chances of starting in Game 1 could be 50/50 or better.

I believe that he will have his chance to start for the Rams at some point in the 2023 NFL season. And when that happens, I believe that he will play so well that it will be very difficult for another player to unseat him from that starting role.