Ram Digest

Rams Secondary Ranks Worst in NFL, Says PFF

According to a new ranking, the Los Angeles Rams have the worst secondary in the NFL.

Tim Kelly

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If the Los Angeles Rams are going to rebound from a disappointing 5-12 campaign a season ago and return to the postseason in 2023, it won't be because of the play in their defensive backfield. 

At least that's what you're led to believe by a new countdown. 

Pro Football Focus recently ranked the secondaries of all 32 NFL teams, and the Rams finished in last: 

"When a team sells out to win the Super Bowl like the Rams did, roster overhaul will inevitably happen. And that is what we’re seeing in this secondary right now.

"Cornerback Derion Kendrick graded as the second-worst cornerback in the league last year at 43.7 and returns to the Rams as their most experienced starter, as he played 483 snaps in 2022. L.A. spent two Day 3 picks on the secondary this year, but 2023 will be tough to watch from a once formidable unit."

Of course, the Rams traded their best defensive back away this offseason, sending three-time All-Pro cornerback Jalen Ramsey to the Miami Dolphins for a third-round pick and backup tight end Hunter Long. It's perhaps no coincidence then, that the Dolphins now have the second-best secondary in the NFL, per PFF's rankings. 

Given that PFF also ranked the Rams' linebacking corps at No. 32, defensive coordinator Raheem Morris will have his work cut out in 2023. Having future Hall of Famer Aaron Donald back for a 10th season is great, but without a ton of talent elsewhere defensively, the Rams figure to put quite a bit of pressure on Sean McVay's offense in 2023. 

For the first time since 2016, the Rams are slated to have a first-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Perhaps that can be used to draft a defensive back that becomes a stalwart for the Rams. Then again, there are plenty of other holes on Los Angeles' roster that will come into consideration. 

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Tim Kelly
TIM KELLY

Tim Kelly is a contributor to SI's NFL team sites. Additionally, Kelly covers the Philadelphia Phillies as the Editorial Director for PhilliesNation.com. Previously, Kelly has been a producer at SportsRadio 94 WIP and a content producer for Audacy Sports, with written content syndicated to WIP, WFAN, WEEI and some of the biggest sports radio stations in the country. Kelly also has contributed to Bleacher Report, Just Baseball, Sports Talk Philly and Section 215, FanSided's Philadelphia affiliate. Kelly is a 2018 graduate of Bloomsburg University, with a major in Mass Communications and a minor in political science. 

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