Los Angeles Rams Defensive Player Swap

Cornerback Aqib Talib During Rams And Chargers Joint Practice. Photo Credit: Ryan Dyrud | Sports Al Dente
Cornerback Aqib Talib During Rams And Chargers Joint Practice. Photo Credit: Ryan Dyrud | Sports Al Dente

With the NFL Offseason coming to a close and with training camp right around the corner, we can consider this in-between period as the calm before the commencement of the 2020 Season. While many teams are still navigating contract disputes, locker room drama, and front office issues, the Los Angeles Rams are not one of them.

The Rams have one goal in mind, with no distractions hindering the team’s progress; their main goal is to regain their dominant identity, as seen throughout the 2018 Season. Many Rams’ fans recall the menacing pass rush that took place in 2018, but it’s easy to forget the lockdown cornerback duo, Marcus Peters and Aqib Talib. Talib was plagued with on-and-off injuries that disrupted the chemistry of this duo, but when on the field together, these two proved to be one of the League’s best cornerback tandems.

The Rams’ secondary is led by all-pro cornerback, Jalen Ramsey. The supporting cast, however, has been nothing short of underwhelming. Slot corner Darious Williams is still young and can develop, but shows more upside as a special teams contributor. Troy Hill is a veteran player coming into his 6th season in the NFL. He has been an average corner for the entirety of his career thus far, and many are reluctant to see any more development from him. He’s coming off one of his best years statistically, which may give him some upside in the trade market.

Los Angeles Rams Defensive Player Swap

In this hypothetical scenario, Rams General Manager Les Snead agrees to trade Troy Hill for the second-year corner from Clemson, Trayvon Mullen. The Las Vegas Raiders selected Ohio State cornerback Damon Arnette in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft and also signed veteran, Prince Amukamara. With that, I believe that Raiders General Manager Mike Mayock could potentially agree to this deal if the Rams can provide an additional asset to this trade; perhaps a mid-round pick in the 2021 Draft? Overall, I think both teams would benefit from this swap.

Mullen is a young, raw prospect that demonstrates great heart and toughness on the field. He is an above-average open-field tackler and can be packaged in different blitz schemes. His coverage skills need a lot of polishing, but by playing alongside Jalen Ramsey, I am sure he can pick up a few things here and there.

Moreover, he stands at 6’2; his size and length triumph any lack of technique in coverage. Mullens exhibits the maturity and preparation that are not common for young prospects–this is what makes him a player with tremendous upside.

Upgrading depth at the cornerback position should be a priority for the Los Angeles Rams. DeAndre Hopkins, Deebo Samuel, and rising star D.K. Metcalf are just a few receivers in the NFC West with the potential to pose an immense problem for the Rams secondary. Adding a versatile player like Trayvon Mullen alongside Jalen Ramsey may result in the making of one of the best cornerback duos next season.