What must Rams secondary do to thwart 49ers offense in 2024?

Rams secondary needs some upgrades

Even if the Rams re-sign all four defensive backs for 2024, the group simply does not have sufficient horsepower to pull off a similar defensive strategy to that of the Kansas City Chiefs. The Rams cornerbacks, Cobie Durant and Ahkello Witherspoon, seemed to be more effective when playing zone defense that any form of man coverage.

On the back end, the Rams did showcase some fortitude. But the Rams were not consistent enough with a group that boasted Jordan Fuller, John Johnson, Russ Yeast, and Quentin Laks. But for now, let's make a bold assumption that the Rams will extend either Fuller or Johnson, and for the 2024 season, will play enough man coverage to give their safeties enough work to be proficient at man coverage.

Who can play man coverage at cornerback for the team on this roster? Even if rookie Tre Tomlinson proves to be far better in 2024, I do not believe that the Rams have anyone close to a shutdown cornerback on this roster. But I do believe that they exist in the 2024 NFL Draft, and I expect that some will fall to the Rams at that 19th overall pick in Round 1.

Thanks to an abundance of talent early on the 2024 NFL Draft board, the top-tier cornerbacks from the rookie class of 2024 are expected to fall out of the Top-10 picks, with many of them projected to be selected at or after the Rams make their selection. Many of the top prospects in this year's class are impressive in size, physicality, and aggressiveness, and are almost instinctive in their ability to key on their receiver and stick to them like shadows.

The Rams coaching staff is accomplished and trustworthy, and have an impressive track record of preparing young players to succeed in the NFL. Now the front office must identify and add sufficient top-tier talent to give the Rams secondary the option to elect man coverage.