Rams Draft: Eying Illinois Safety Sydney Brown for Secondary Help?

The Los Angeles Rams defensive backfield may look much different in 2023, for reasons greater than the potential loss of cornerback Jalen Ramsey.

While the fate of star cornerback Jalen Ramsey continues to rightfully dominate the headlines, the Los Angeles Rams are also facing some significant questions at safety. 

The Rams face the potential of losing starters Nick Scott and Taylor Rapp via free agency. With Ramsey almost certainly on the trading block as well, Los Angeles will need to address the position either through free agency or the upcoming NFL Draft. 

With the Rams projected to exceed the salary cap ceiling by approximately $14.9 million, it may be more palatable to seek a solution to their possible vacancies via the Draft. 

As L.A. is not expected to make its first selection until the second round (no. 36 overall), they may be in a prime position to secure one of the higher-rated safeties in this season’s Draft class.

One such player that may be of interest to the Rams is Illinois prospect, Sydney Brown. 

The 6-foot, 200-pounder may not possess the flash of his peers. However, is clearly not short on talent. Brown has the potential to be a three-down player at the pro level. During his time at Illinois, he showed above-average quickness when getting to position, to complement his ability to keep pace with his opposition. His wealth of football knowledge and instincts help to ensure that he is among the smartest players on the field at all times.

At the pro level, Brown should find his way to the football often, whether he aligns in the slot or as a split-fielder. As such, he found statistical success in his final collegiate season, earning 43 tackles, seven passes defended, six interceptions and one defensive touchdown.  

Though blue-chip level prospects such as Alabama’s Brian Branch and Texas A&M’s Antonio Johnson are likely to be taken in the first round, Brown should be there for the taking with pick No. 36. Still, the Illinois product helped his draft stock with a strong showing at the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine. Brown ran a 4.48 40-time which ranked fourth among safeties, while also ranking in the top three for the broad jump (9.74) and vertical (9.75) respectively. 

While the Rams ‘present’ may be somewhat in flux, a prospect such as Brown can help make their future defensive backfield a bit more secure. 

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Follow Mike D’Abate on Twitter @mdabateNFL

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