Quentin Lake is Rams' diamond-in-the-rough somehow still escaping notice

When the Los Angeles Rams selected UCLA safety Quentin Lake 211th overall in the 2022 draft, the hope was that the young defensive back could carve out a rotational role in the secondary. Instead, Lake has proven to be another diamond-in-the-rough discovery by general manager Les Snead.

He needed only two seasons to earn a starting role. Now, he is not merely a solid contributor, he is one of the spokesmen for a defense that continues to develop and improve. He did his part as a leader by tossing out the welcome mat for newly acquired cornerback Trent McDuffie.

On the field, Lake's superpower is how effectively he can read receivers, a skill that carries over to observing his own teammates, like Puka Nacua. Add that to his physical playstyle against the run and his pre-snap communication savvy and you get one of the most underrated DBs in the game.

Quentin Lake is the 'other' Day 3 diamond on Rams roster

Lake is the overlooked 'other' Day 3 diamond on the roster. Fans know how vital both running back Kyren Williams, the164th overall pick in the same 2022 draft, and Nacua, taken 177th in 2023, have been to L.A'.s offense. Lake has been just as vital on the other side of the football.

In the past two seasons covering 27 games, Lake has recorded 172 tackles, three sacks, one interception, and 15 passes defended. Over that time, he has allowed just 70 of 110 passes to find their targets. That's even more impressive when you factor in his versatility, requiring him to line up all over the secondary.

More than that, Lake has been a leader, keeping the vibes high, the work ethic strong, and newcomers feeling welcome. He's still only 27, but he is wise beyond his years.

Recognizing his value, the Rams broke tradition by extending Lake in January, handing him a three-year deal worth $38.25 million. That's a slam-dunk bargain considering how the defense wilted after he got hurt last season. Don't let his one career interception fool you; Lake is productive in other ways. By Pro Football Focus grade, he led Rams safeties with a mark of 75.1, 13th out of 98 qualified players at the position.

With Lake sticking around for the foreseeable future - and his teammate Kam Curl, too - that newly renovated secondary shouldn't miss a beat.

As always, thanks for reading.

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