Cornerback depth has never been more important than it is in today’s NFL. Teams are airing the ball out and offenses are utilizing three-receiver formations a good portion of the time. So to counter these trends, defenses need players who can run and cover.
The Rams have two quality outside cornerbacks in Jalen Ramsey and Troy Hill, but the No. 3 spot is up for grabs after the team moved on from Nickell Robey-Coleman. Darious Williams and David Long Jr. will probably be the lead candidates for that job, followed by rookie defensive back Terrell Burgess.
Williams and Long both contributed toward the end of last season, stepping in for an injured Jalen Ramsey and as backups in the secondary. Cornerbacks coach Aubrey Pleasant had the chance to develop these two players last season and he’s encouraged by their potential heading into the 2020 campaign.
“Both are two totally different situations as far as what they bring to the table, but they’re both young guys that have been able to progress,” he said, via TheRams.com. “Darious Williams, the way he played those last four weeks, was of starting caliber in the NFL. Not only was he able to make plays, but he was able to get his hands on the ball. And when you can create turnovers in the National Football League, that’s something that separates you from the others.”
Williams fits better in the slot than Long does, given his smaller stature and his style of play. However, both showed the ability to play inside last season, with Pleasant even mentioning that Long went through an “inside-out” course of development as a rookie.
With Brandon Staley now leading the defense, versatility will be paramount. The Rams have big plans for Jalen Ramsey in the secondary, allowing him to move around the formation and play other positions besides boundary corner.
That could help Long, opening the door for him to play outside if Ramsey covers the slot. Pleasant likes Long’s game and says he’ll do anything asked of him on defense.
“You saw as the weeks progressed later on in the season versus Chicago, later on in the season two times versus Arizona, we asked that young man to come and play in several different roles, but just kind of shows you his skill set is so unique, he can do anything that’s asked,” Pleasant said. “And then the final game of the season, he had to play at corner and he stood up and made some plays.”
Training camp will be extremely important for both Long and Williams, particularly with no preseason games being played. This competition will be won in practice, so every rep counts this summer.
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