The other Washington State rookie that nobody is talking about, but should

While the LA Rams fans know that the team drafted former Washington State Cougars outside linebacker Brennan Jackson, the team also signed one of his teammates that nobody is talking about. That needs to change. After all, give rookie prospects their due. The Rams roster not only needs top-tier playmakers but also has needs for niche contributors who can perform well as a rotational player who can step up for limited defensive snaps.

Former Washington State CB Cam Lampkin may fit the bill. Signed after the 2024 NFL Draft, Lampkin arrives in a secondary that needs instant depth. Standing 5-foot-11 and weighing 176 pounds, Lampkin is a fearless defensive back who faced some of college football's most lauded receivers and quarterbacks. And yet, he only allowed 28 completions out of 58 targets in 2023, with six breakups. That is a 48.3 percent completion rate.

That is outstanding. Now layer that against his opposition. He faced both Washington (and QB Michael Penix) and Oregon (and QB Bo Nix). And that does not include wide receivers he defended, like Washington WRs Rome Odunze, Ja'Lynn Polk, and Jalen McMillan, Arizona WRs Jacob Cowing and Tetairoa McMillan, and Oregon WR Troy Franklin,

That's pretty tough competition.

While he was not drafted, he did sign with the LA Rams.

So what should fans expect from the young defensive back? Look for a young man who is fearless, loves to be in the action, a young man who loves to get his hands in the action, can time breaking up pass plays, and who is adept at making open field tackles.

No, I'm not ignoring the fact that the Rams secondary is rather crowded right now. And with four starting roles, and as many as six spots on sub-packages, the Rams defensive backs will be fighting for playing time and roster spots. If the team follows tradition, they will likely carry four cornerbacks and four safeties. With those numbers, it will be nearly impossible for Lampkin to earn a roster spot, let alone playing time.

But Lampkin is a patient rookie prospect, and he knows that time works in his favor. He loves football, and has persevered his pursuit of the game that he loves. Check out his pre-draft interview.

He was a high school wide receiver who flipped to the defense at Utah State. He learned everything he knows about pass coverage, the defensive side of the football, and playing defensive back in college. So if you are hesitant to embrace his upside, keep in mind that he is incredibly raw to the role.

But he is definitely an ideal fit in DB Coach Aubrey Pleasant's secondary. Pleasant loves fearless and aggressive defensive backs, and that is the essence of Cam Lampkin. He loves football, he is fearless, He is productive. But he remains quite raw.

He wants to model his game after former Rams DB Jalen Ramsey. It's apparent that he is hungry and wants to play well. He is prepared to work hard. He is all about earning his place on this team.

It's tough not to root for a guy whose nickname is CLamp. And it's tough not to see him competing in the NFL in the future.

Thanks again for reading.