7 cornerbacks Rams should watch at 2022 NFL combine

[theramswire.usatoday.com] 7 cornerbacks Rams should watch at 2022 NFL combine


Cameron DaSilva
March 2, 2022 6:35 am PT

Cornerback is a position of need seemingly every year for the Los Angeles Rams, because quite frankly, you can never have enough depth in the secondary. This draft class once again offers plenty of talent from top to bottom, with several quality prospects likely to go in the range of Round 3-4.

That’s the sweet spot for the Rams, who don’t have a first- or second-rounder this year. They’ve certainly been studying these players for months already, but here are seven cornerbacks they should watch closely at the combine this week.

1
Derion Kendrick, Georgia

Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Kendrick began his career as a wide receiver at Clemson and spent three years with the Tigers, the last two of which were at cornerback. He then transferred to Georgia for his senior year in 2021 where he had four interceptions and 41 tackles on the Bulldogs’ championship team. He has decent size at 5-foot-11 and 202 pounds, but there are concerns about his speed – which will be tested at the combine. There are also character questions after he was arrested on gun charges and dismissed from Clemson’s program.


2
Josh Jobe, Alabama

(AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)

Jobe is seen as an outside cornerback with his 6-foot-1 frame but if he doesn’t test well in the speed and agility drills, there could be questions about his fit in the NFL, especially after struggling so much in his final season at Alabama. Jobe has the potential to be a really good starting cornerback but when tested deeper down the field, he can show some weaknesses. A team will take a chance on him with his length and size on the outside, hoping he can be a better pro than he was a college player.


3
Tariq Woolen, UTSA

(AP Photo/Darren Abate)

Woolen is going to have a lot of eyes on him in Indy, primarily for his speed. According to Tom Pelissero, Woolen was timed at 4.2 seconds in the 40-yard dash, which would beat John Ross’ record. Whether he actually runs a 4.2 at the combine remains to be seen, but there’s no denying his speed. At 6-foot-3, anything sub-4.4 would be remarkably impressive. The measurables and potential are both there with Woolen. It’s just a matter of improving his technique and physicality after playing wide receiver for three years and cornerback for only two in college.


4
Alontae Taylor, Tennessee

Another converted wide receiver, Taylor has might need some time to develop in the NFL. However, he would seemingly fit well in the Rams’ zone-heavy scheme, as Lance Zierlein of NFL.com sees him being best in a team that utilizes a lot of Cover 2 and 3. His speed appears to be sufficient and we’ll find out just how fast he is in the 40-yard dash, and there are no questions about his size or length when it comes to holding up as a boundary cornerback. Taylor would be a solid value in the third round for the Rams.

5
Martin Emerson, Mississippi State

(AP Photo/Michael Woods)

Emerson only had one interception in three seasons at Mississippi State, which came in his freshman year. He also broke up just 15 passes in 36 games – 11 of which came in 2020. He’s 6-foot-2 and 200 pounds so size isn’t a concern, but he could stand to improve his ball skills and route recognition on the outside. Learning from Jalen Ramsey for a year would do Emerson plenty of good, helping him develop into a future starter as a boundary cornerback.

6
Damarion Williams, Houston

(AP Photo/Michael Wyke).

Williams is on the smaller side for a cornerback, standing just 5-foot-10 and 180 pounds. That will likely make him a slot defender at the next level, which will put an added emphasis on his short-area quickness at the combine. The Rams could use some depth at cornerback, though it doesn’t necessarily have to be in the slot where David Long Jr. held up relatively well in the postseason and with Ramsey lining up inside as often as he does. But Williams has a solid base to build on at the next level.

7
Coby Bryant, Cincinnati

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In the last two seasons, Bryant had six interceptions and 18 passes defensed. He was a standout player on one of the best defenses in the country last season and now enters the NFL with a pro-ready frame and skill set. He’s 6-foot-1 and has long arms, but he’ll need to show he has the long speed to hold up against faster receivers on the outside. The Rams should be watching Bryant closely in Indianapolis as a potential target in the third round.