One of the primary reasons the Rams selected Terrell Burgess in the third round of the draft this year was his versatility on defense. Last season at Utah, he played free safety, strong safety, nickel corner, linebacker and even boundary cornerback, showing incredible position flexibility.
He’s technically listed as a defensive back, but with DC Brandon Staley emphasizing the importance of versatility in the secondary, he could play anywhere. The lack of on-field work has limited his exposure to the coaching staff and made it difficult to project his position, but that’ll become clearer in training camp and the preseason.
Burgess doesn’t really have a preference where he plays, though he admitted to J.B. Long on the Rams Revealed podcast that he enjoys lining up in the box.
“I’d say I’m a football player. I wouldn’t say that I’m best at any position but I do love to play in the box. I love to play in the box and being able to read linemen but I also like just being in a position to make plays, is what I like to do, to be honest with you,” Burgess said. “I don’t care where it is. I just want to play and help contribute.”
Burgess should have plenty of opportunities to play in the box with John Johnson and Taylor Rapp both having the ability to play free safety. Burgess isn’t the biggest safety, but he’s a good tackler and his instincts are top-notch, allowing him to slip blockers and make plays near the line of scrimmage.
He’ll be a fun player to watch as a rookie and should only continue to improve as he gains experience in the NFL.