7 defensive players who must step up for Rams in 2020

Micah Kiser leads a group of defenders who must step up next season.

(Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

FS John Johnson

Eric Weddle is retired, which means Johnson will have to step up as the leader in the safety room. No one is doubting Johnson’s talent, but he’ll need to not only become the voice of the secondary, but also rebound from a mostly lost 2019 season due to injury.

Not to mention, he’s entering a contract year, which makes the 2020 season even more important for the fourth-year safety. He’s acknowledged the fact that he’s the oldest player in the safety room now and feels like he can help younger guys such as Taylor Rapp and Terrell Burgess after learning from Weddle last year.

On the field, Johnson has to be a ball hawk like he has been, and continue to have success locking up tight ends in man coverage.