Matt Bowen: Rams are ‘really good scheme fit’ for Indiana S Jamar Johnson

Could the Rams replace John Johnson with Jamar Johnson out of Indiana? He could be a Day 2 target for LA.

Even though they lost John Johnson in free agency, the Los Angeles Rams aren’t necessarily in the market for a safety. They have Jordan Fuller, Terrell Burgess, Taylor Rapp and Nick Scott, all of whom are capable of starting on defense.

But with how often the Rams deploy big nickel and dime packages where three safeties may be on the field, it wouldn’t be a surprise if they selected one in the draft. Matt Bowen of ESPN recently broke down film of Indiana safety Jamar Johnson and he loves his fit with the Rams.

Los Angeles ran a bunch of two-high looks in 2020, which is the type of role Johnson excels in, as well as coming underneath as a slot or box defender in sub-packages.

Johnson won’t be a first-round pick, but he could be a target in the third or fourth round. Cornerback, linebacker and edge rusher should all be higher priorities, as should center, but don’t rule out the Rams drafting a versatile safety.

Johnson can play deep, blitz the quarterback and even split out wide against wide receivers, making him a highly versatile defender. Here’s a look at three plays that Bowen broke down.

If Fuller, Burgess and Rapp all continue to develop, the Rams will be set at safety for the next two or three years. But with how infrequently they re-sign their own defensive backs, the revolving door could continue and having a player like Johnson would give them good depth and talent at a key position.

Johnson is an underrated player in a strong safety class and someone to keep an eye on as the draft approaches.

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