Rams' Cobie Durant Poised to 'Breakout' After Jalen Ramsey Trade?

After a promising rookie campaign, is cornerback Cobie Durant the Los Angeles Rams' best candidate for a "breakout" season this fall?

The Los Angeles Rams have begun OTAs this week without several familiar faces from year's past, especially on the defensive side of the ball.

Gone are the likes of linebacker Bobby Wagner, cornerback Jalen Ramsey, edge defender Leonard Floyd and safety Taylor Rapp, among others ...which opens the door for a bevy of young talent to slide into bigger roles.

Among those eyeing more playing time this coming season is second-year cornerback Cobie Durant, who was voted by his teammates as the Rams' Rookie of the Year in 2022.

Across 13 games, Durant recorded 22 tackles, five passes defended and three interceptions, which he returned for a league-high 151 yards while also logging a pick-six.

Perhaps best of all, the 25-year-old Durant earned the respect of his peers - and others are taking note, as Pro Football Focus named the 2022 fourth-round pick as Los Angeles' biggest "breakout candidate" for this coming season.

"Durant didn't play much until late in his rookie season, but he will be thrust into a starting position with the departure of Jalen Ramsey," PFF writes.

"The former fourth-round pick did flash potential when he got onto the field, and he ended the season with a 75.2 PFF grade that ranked 18th among cornerbacks."

Rams defensive coordinator Raheem Morris compared Durant to Troy Hill, who spent six of the past seven seasons as a steady contributor in Los Angeles' secondary.

Morris praised the 5-11, 175-pound Durant for his ability to play both nickel and outside corner and likened his positional flexibility to that of a veteran presence, which only adds to the array of traits the former South Carolina State standout possesses, including quickness and ball skills.

Now, Durant has his sights set on carving out a larger role in Los Angeles' defense, and with both Ramsey (traded to the Miami Dolphins) and Hill (free agent) out of the picture, the opportunity is certainly available.

Can Durant have a "breakout" season? Only time will tell ... but his arrow is certainly pointing upwards as the Rams begin their summer workout program.

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You can follow Daniel Flick on Twitter @DFlickDraft

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