Get to know Robert Rochell

Stu Jackson
Staff Writer


The Rams used their fourth selection in the 2021 NFL Draft on Central Arkansas cornerback Robert Rochell, who was chosen in the fourth round, 130th overall.

Here's what you should know about him:

1) Need for speed

At the 2014 Louisiana High School Athletic Association 4A Outdoor Track state meet, Shreveport (La.) Fair Park High standout Rochell placed third in the 100-meter dash with a time of 10.80 seconds.

It's second-fastest time time in the event in school history behind Morris Claiborne's 10.76 seconds in 2009. Claiborne would be chosen sixth overall out of LSU by the Chiefs in the NFL Draft three years later.

2) Freaky athleticism

Like fellow draft classmate Tutu Atwell (speed), Rochell landed in the 2020 edition of The Athletic's Bruce Feldman's annual "Freaks List" – highlighting college football athletes with rare physical abilities – with his bounce, coming in at No. 12 (Atwell was No. 6).

Central Arkansas head coach Nathan Brown told Feldman Rochell had registered an 11-foot, 8-inch broad jump and a 41-inch vertical. Both drills are used at the combine to measure a player's explosiveness; the broad jump also measures lower body strength.

The rest of Rochell's measurements and qualifications for making the list can be read here (subscription required to read).

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