The Los Angeles Rams are coming off of a
The Los Angeles Rams are coming off a 2022 season that saw them finish 5-12 and then improve to 10-7 and a postseason berth in 2023. And it appears like there is only upward movement for Los Angeles with so many fresh young impact players joining their squad in addition to their important veterans, as well as plenty of draft capital and cap room coming into the offseason. In related news, the Rams will select in the first round of the NFL Draft this spring for the first time since 2016.
The Rams may go in a lot of different places with that slot; there are needs at tight end, linebacker group, offensive and defensive lines, and other areas. The primary demands, nevertheless, can be in the secondary. And 33rd Team claims that the Rams will choose Iowa star cornerback Cooper DeJean at No. 19, insulting L.A. in the process.
“The Los Angeles Rams overachieved on defense for most of 2023 after trading Jalen Rasmey and cutting ties with veteran players,” said the 33rd team. “Cooper DeJean is one of the draft’s most athletic and versatile players, regardless of position.” DeJean was among the top defensive backs in college football the previous season, recording 41 stops, two interceptions, and five pass breakups in 10 games. In 388 coverage snaps, he did not allow a touchdown as well. But that’s hardly the extent of his adaptability.
In addition, DeJean is a superb kick and punt returner. Against Michigan State, he scored a touchdown that spanned 70 yards on average from punt returns. Against Minnesota, he also experienced a score callback, in one of the most contentious plays of the collegiate football season. While many other draft experts seem to believe that Iowa star DeJean would be selected in the first or second round, some have already made fun of him to Los Angeles, ESPN NFL Draft expert Mel Kiper rated the Iowa star at No. 12 on his big board. Related: Rams to Select Versatile Defensive Back at No. 19 in NFL Mock Draft? What role does he play for the Rams then? In 2023, L.A.’s pass defense was among the weakest in the NFL, ranking
In addition, there will be huge gaps in the secondary when safety Jordan Fuller and John Johnson, corners Ahkello Witherspoon and Duke Shelley, reach free agency. In addition, the Rams had a difficult season on special teams and never posed a serious threat in the return game, so having DeJean in the mix there would also be quite beneficial. Many would contend that drafting purely out of need is never a wise idea. And it’s possible that’s the case.
However, DeJean would not only cover a number of gaps for the Rams, but he also has a good chance of becoming the best player available when the Rams start to play.