Rams’ 23 most important players for 2023 – No. 13: CB Derion Kendrick

Derion Kendrick was thrown into the mix as a rookie last season and he’ll be an even bigger part of the defense this year

The Los Angeles Rams will have a very different look in the secondary this season after trading away Jalen Ramsey and opting not to re-sign David Long Jr., Troy Hill, Nick Scott or Taylor Rapp. At cornerback, there’s a clear lack of experience, with no one besides Ahkello Witherspoon having more than a half-season as a starter under their belt.

Derion Kendrick is part of the new-look secondary, projecting to be a full-time starter after an up-and-down rookie year in 2022. The Rams hope he can make a second-year leap at cornerback, helping replace the veterans they lost in the offseason.

Kendrick isn’t the most important player in the secondary, but he’s certainly up there.