Lamarcus Joyner, John Johnson ranked among top-15 safeties in the NFL
Cameron DaSilva
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theramswire.usatoday.com]
Wade Phillips and the Rams’ coaching staff made the big decision to move Lamarcus Joyner from nickel cornerback to safety this past year, putting him back at his more natural position in his fourth NFL season. Given the fact that Joyner played safety at Florida State, it wasn’t a huge risk, but it was a move that would change the look of the defense.
That wasn’t the only major switch the Rams made at safety, either. They released Maurice Alexander early in the year, giving way to John Johnson as the starter next to Joyner. Johnson, a rookie, made a huge impact right away, picking off Russell Wilson in his first start.
Both players significantly changed the secondary for the better, proving to be two of the Rams’ best players on defense. Bleacher Report believes they’re two of the best safeties in all of football, ranking both in the top 10 at their respective positions.
Joyner was rated as the fifth-best strong safety in football in 2017, earning a grade of 80/100. Harrison Smith was No. 1 with a grade of 87, for comparison’s sake. Here’s what DBs scout Kyle Posey said about Joyner.
Defensive coordinator Wade Phillips transformed Lamarcus Joyner into a true playmaker. Instead of pigeonholing Joyner into a slot corner, Phillips moved him all around the defense—and it paid off. Joyner was one of the NFL’s best cover safeties. He matched up with top receivers and didn’t back down. His athleticism and tenacity will make him coveted now that he’s a free agent.
Although they were used almost interchangeably, Joyner was dubbed a strong safety with Johnson being the free safety. The rookie finished 10th among free safeties with a grade of 75/100, ahead of guys like Eric Weddle and Ha Ha Clinton-Dix.
Quietly, John Johnson was sensational as a rookie, and his play was great when Lamarcus Joyner formed the team’s safety tandem with him. Johnson showed the route recognition and cover skills of a veteran. He was also a sure tackler. His main drawback was his recovery speed, but he’ll continue to hone his skills and give the Rams a bright future.
The Rams clearly have one of the best safety duos in the NFL. The only thing standing in their way is Joyner leaving in free agency, which is hard to imagine happening. When you find two young studs at safety, you keep them together for years to come. That’s exactly what the Rams have to do.
