Puka Nacua and 7 other Rams to face the 49ers for 1st time in 2024 on TNF

(5) - DB Darious Williams

Yes, the appearance of veteran cornerback Darious Williams on this list means that the Rams could be showing an entirely new secondary against the 49ers in Week 15. And based on the results of Week 3, a game in which 49ers QB Brock Purdy completed 22 of 30 passes for 292 yards and three touchdowns, that is not a bad thing. On the day, the Rams started Cobie Durant and Tre'Davious White at the corners.

White has been traded, and Durant is injured.

While it's true that Williams is not putting up career-average numbers, he is slowly but surely asserting himself in the Rams secondary. Sure, the Buffalo Bills shredded the Rams secondary. And the team has struggled to hold opposing receivers in check. But Williams is quite familiar with the 49ers receivers. While Brandon Aiyuk remains on IR, they still boast TE George Kittle, and WRs Juaun Jennings, Deebo Samuel, and Ricky Pearsall.

So far, Pearsall has hauled in 12 of 20 catches for 137 yards and one touchdown. And yes, there were multiple reports before the season that Pearsall was viewed as the next Puka Nacua. So far, that hasn't happened.

I think Williams has something to prove to the NFL, to his teammates, and most of all, to himself in this game. Despite disappointing numbers, he knows that now is the time to take it up a notch as every team vies for postseason participation. I think he shines in this one.

Scouting Report: Williams will likely be picked on by the 49ers physical receivers. But Williams is small and mighty, and has faced this team before. I see him allowing just four of eight targets to find their mark. And he will add five tackles, two pass deflections, and will get his first interception of the season.