CB David Long Jr.
Long’s expectations are different than Hill’s. He won’t be starting outside like Hill, nor will he play as many snaps. However, with Nickell Robey-Coleman gone, Long has an opening to become the nickel corner. He’ll have to beat out Terrell Burgess for that spot, but Long is a third-round pick himself and had last year to learn the system from the sidelines.
With how much the Rams utilize nickel packages, Long has a chance to play meaningful snaps and really contribute on defense. The nickel defender, whether it’s a safety or corner, is an important player because of how often he gets on the field and covers top receivers.
Long is sticky in man coverage and showed some potential last season, but now it’s time for him to step up in Year 2 as a key contributor.