The Los Angeles Rams have used free agency to build out their defensive backfield, adding Darious Williams, Kamren Curl, and Tre’davious White. But they still need to find long-term options at cornerback with Williams over 30 and White on a one-year contract.
There are several intriguing options in the first round, but the Rams will have to keep an eye on corners in all seven rounds.
Los Angeles Rams Draft: Best Edge Rusher Targets For All 7 Rounds
2024 Los Angeles Rams Depth Chart
Best Cornerback Targets for the Los Angeles Rams
Los Angeles Rams Draft: Best Defensive Linemen Targets In All 7 Rounds
Round 1: Overall Pick 19
Cooper DeJean, Iowa: He’s big, 6’1″ 203 lbs, athletic, and highly competitive. What he lacks in fluidity and length he makes up for in instincts and ball skill.
He is also highly versatile, which is important for the Rams. DeJean has started at both safety and cornerback. He is an intriguing option as a punt returner as well.
Round 2: Overall Pick 52
T.J. Tampa, Iowa State: Tampa would bring a good amount of physicality to the outside corner spot for the Rams. 6’1″ 189 lbs, and with an incredible 79-inch wingspan he is a tough obstacle to navigate around. He has had 19 passes defended in 33 games and allowed a completion percentage of 51 last season. Most quarterbacks opted to avoid him, targeting him just 49 times all season.
He lacks top-end speed, but the Rams have been lacking what he brings to the table.
Round 3: Overall Pick 99
Kris Abrams-Draine, Missouri: At 5’11” and 173 lbs, many wouldn’t guess Abrams-Draine to be the ball hawk that he is. In 38 games he logged 34 passes defended and seven interceptions. With 4.4 speed and fluid hips, he can also keep up with the best NFL receivers. Of course, bodying up to big receivers will be a problem
Round 4: N/A
The Rams traded their 2024 4th-round pick for Kevin Dotson last season.
Round 5: Overall Pick 154
Dwight McGlothern, Arkansas: McGlothern has all the makings of a starting NFL cornerback, but needs coaching on all aspects of the position before the catch point. If he can get to that point, he is a lot like Tampa. In 32 games, he has 23 passes defended and 8 interceptions. Last season, he was targeted just 25 times and allowed just 48 percent completions.
Round 6: Overall Pick 196
Deantre Prince, Ole Miss: Prince is a 4-year starter for the Rebels. At 6′, 183lbs, and sub 4.4 speed, he is a good combination of size and speed. He often relies too heavily on his speed, rather than sound technique.
Round 7: Overall Pick 254
Shyheim Battle, N.C. State: Battle is quicker than he is fast and is a big physical cornerback who doesn’t mind mixing it up with any wide receiver. His playing style can get him in trouble, particularly with referees. His downfield speed will also be a limitation.