In a season full of disappointment, one of the positive developments that took place throughout the year was the progress made by Taylor Rapp. The rookie safety began the year as a backup and role player, but when John Johnson suffered a season-ending shoulder injury in Week 6, Rapp was thrust into a starting spot.
He finished the year with an overall grade of 64.5 from Pro Football Focus, at one point ranking as one of the best safeties in football. He allowed only 38 catches on 62 targets, breaking up eight total passes with two interceptions.
It was easy to see him gaining comfort as the season went on, and in his final session with the media last week, he explained just how far he came.
“I’m looking forward to next year, not being a rookie,” he said. “I’m looking forward to being out there and being more comfortable with the system. I felt like I’m a completely different player from Game 1 to Game 16, so just looking forward to getting out there and just being more comfortable and letting loose and playing fast.”
Rapp figures to be a starter next season alongside Johnson, giving the Rams one of the best safety tandems in the league. They’re both playmakers, tying for the team lead with two interceptions each.
That likely leaves Eric Weddle on the outside looking in, making it probable that the Rams will decline his 2020 option and save $4.25 million in cap space.
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