Rams should have little trouble replacing Joyner in deep draft, FA...

Rams should have little trouble replacing Joyner in deep draft, free agency

Cameron DaSilva1 hour ago

[theramswire.usatoday.com]

Lamarcus Joyner was one of the stars of the Los Angeles Rams’ defense in 2017. He enjoyed a breakout year after Wade Phillips arrived and moved him to free safety after primarily being a nickel corner in Jeff Fisher’s defense.

The transition netted him $11.3 million for one year on the franchise tag in 2018, but he took a major step back last season. He was the second-highest graded safety by Pro Football Focus two years ago, but in 2018, he dropped all the way back down to 28th.

Joyner’s set to be a free agent again in March and despite his disappointing season, there will still be a huge market for his services. He can play free safety or in the slot, bringing valued versatility to whichever team he joins. The Rams typically don’t re-sign their own defensive backs to big contracts and will probably let him walk, leaving a gaping hole at safety.

Fortunately, they picked the perfect year to need a player at Joyner’s position. The free-agent class at safety is littered with talent, headlined by Earl Thomas, Adrian Amos and even Tre Boston, who could be a bargain for the Rams. There are even cheaper options like Glover Quin and George Iloka, who could join Los Angeles on one-year deals.

But wait, that’s not all!

The 2019 NFL draft class is extremely deep at the safety spot. There are several players who could be options at No. 31 overall for the Rams, fitting perfectly with what they need: a true free safety.

John Johnson III can play the deep middle as well as in the box, but he’s best when given the freedom to roam and make plays near the line of scrimmage. That’s why the Rams need a single-high safety like Thomas, not Landon Collins or Tyrann Mathieu. In the draft, numerous players fit the bill.

Deionte Thompson out of Alabama is viewed as the best safety in the class by many. He has great range and prototypical size at 6-foot-2 and about 200 pounds. He could go anywhere from the top 10 to the end of the first round, partly depending on what he does at the NFL Scouting Combine.


Nasir Adderley also possesses outstanding range over the top, which is one of the most important traits in a single-high safety. The Delaware product is also projected to land in the first round and could be available when the Rams go on the clock.

Quite possibly the best fit for Los Angeles is Chauncey Gardner-Johnson out of Florida. His skill set and draft projection align perfectly with the Rams. He could obviously go earlier in Round 1, but if he’s available at 31, the Rams will have a hard time passing on him, assuming they haven’t already filled the hole at safety.

He can play single-high, cover the slot and play strong safety, possessing great ball skills at any spot. He had nine interceptions at Florida, returning three of them for touchdowns. He should time well in the 40-yard dash, which will only help his draft stock.

Other options include Juan Thornhill from Virginia and Amani Hooker out of Iowa, both of whom can play deep downfield and succeed in that role. The Rams probably wouldn’t spend a first-round pick on either player, but if they’re wiped out from their other options at No. 31, they could trade down, pick up a few picks and add one of these players in Round 2.

No matter which path the Rams take in replacing Joyner, it shouldn’t be overly difficult to do. That’s not to dismiss Joyner’s talent, but a testament to how strong the upcoming draft and free agency classes are at safety. The Rams don’t have any potential replacements on the roster, but they’ll be fine by May.