How Will Tre'Davious White Signing Change Rams NFL Draft Strategy?

The Los Angeles Rams have rebuilt the corner spot with the signings of Tre'Davious White and Darious Williams. But with the new additions, what is the next step for the NFL Draft?

Iowa v Rutgers / Rich Schultz/GettyImages

The Los Angeles Rams were already going to have a new-look secondary next season, following the signings of Darious Williams and Kamren Curl, as well as the losses of Jordan Fuller and Akhello Witherspoon in free agency.

And on Tuesday night, they added another huge piece to the puzzle, signing former Bills First-Team All-Pro and two-time Pro Bowler Tre'Davious White to a one-year deal.

Heading into free agency, most NFL Mock Drafts had the Rams going in one of two directions, selecting either an edge rusher or a cornerback to add to the defense.

So naturally, with the signings of White and Williams especially, the Rams' draft strategy is likely to change - or at least narrow - in a significant way. That said, it could also open up some avenues for L.A. to look at some other positions in Round 1 as well.

Iowa v Rutgers / Rich Schultz/GettyImages

Arguably the most popular mock pick for the Rams has been Iowa's Cooper DeJean, who is widely considered one of - if not the - top corner in the draft. And despite the signings of White and Williams, DeJean could still be an option.

But why would the Rams still go corner despite their recent moves? Well, if they did, it would be at least in part due to positional versatility.

In other words, DeJean is more than just a corner. Not only is he an talented cover corner, but he is also an elite return man on punts and kicks, and has the ability to play safety - where he could perhaps slide in next to Curl.

He could also potentially occupy the nickel corner spot, allowing Quentin Lake to move around and be utilized elsewhere. DeJean himself has noted that he is perfectly willing to play on the backend at safety as well, which could be exactly what the Rams need.

“I feel like I’ve proven that I can play outside and inside,” DeJean said during the NFL Combine. “Obviously, I haven’t played safety in college. But I feel like I have the ability to play multiple, different positions in the back end.”

All that said, DeJean might also still be on the Rams radar for a far simpler reason.

Security.

The newly signed White is coming off a major injury, tearing his achilles in Week 4 of the 2023 season. And while the Rams are confident that he will be able to be a major piece of the defense, decision to sign him to a one-year deal was also made for a reason.

And if White is unable to be the player in L.A. that he was in Buffalo, having a player of DeJean's caliber waiting in the wings would be huge win for the Rams.

Of course, the Rams could also decide to go in a different direction entirely. Edge rusher is still a huge need, and finding a true long term successor to Matthew Stafford at quarterback has to be on their minds.

Not to mention, finding a replacement for Aaron Donald, and adding help along the offensive line is still imperative.

Still, despite the flurry of moves in the secondary, we wouldn't count out the popular idea of DeJean just yet.