2011 St. Louis Rams Depth Chart: Cornerbacks

by Brick Top on Jul 21, 2011 1:41 PM CDT in 2011 St. Louis Rams depth chart

The NFL lockout is ending soon, real soon. And that means teams can get back to the business of preparing for the 2011 NFL season. Just as important, we fans can get back to the business of preparing ourselves for the season. To get back up to speed, TST is kicking off our roster review, taking a look at where the St. Louis Rams stand on the eve of free agency and camp. Earlier today VanRam took a look at the Ram's QB situation, and now I'm going to go over the cornerbacks.

The CB position hasn't been talked about much lately. This is for good reason as it is a pretty solid situation as of right now. More after the jump.

The Starters

Ron Bartell

He's now the Rams best DB since OJ left. According to Football Outsiders he had the 4th best success rate of all CBs at 65%. He was also fifth in yards per pass at 5.2. He is one of the most underrated corners, mostly due to the fact that he doesn't get interceptions. He is a great player for the Rams and expect more of the same next year from Bartell.

Bradley Fletcher

Also from Football Outsiders, which I recommend you take a look at since they do a great job, Fletcher is the best tackling DB in football. He is a young player on the rise. He is the perfect Spags corner, a tough guy who plays press well. He played very well last season coming off injury. He had 4 picks and 11 pass deflections. He still has a lot to learn, but I'm thinking it won't be long until we see this guy in the Pro Bowl.

Nickels and Dimes/ depth

Justin King

He's the Rams starting nickel back going into camp. He certainly has the speed you look for. He ran a 4.31 at the combine. He's played okay the last few year and is steadily improving. For more on King listen to the end of Turf Show Radio where 3k, Van and I discussed the Rams nickel back position.

Quincy Butler

The Rams dime back going into camp. I actually really like this guy's ball skills. From what I've seen he's been solid. He can cover well and has a knack for getting deflections. He played decently in his second stint for the Rams last season. He will have a battle with Jerome Murphy for the dime spot.

Jerome Murphy

Right now he is just a backup, but he has his faith in his own hands. He was a third round pick so he has good talent, but he is a bit raw and at time he can be over-agressive. He played sparingly last season. There's been talk about moving him to safety, but the team has said they won't move him there. He has the potential to be a great press nickel corner and I'm expecting him to win the battle with Butler and maybe even win the nickel spot by the end of the year.

Special Teamers

Marquis Johnson and MIkail Baker

One of these guys will make the team to primary play special teams. It's a toss up who wins, but it will be a hell of a battle. The edge might be in Baker's favor as he is faster, a 4.41 forty compared to Johnson's 4.64, as speed is a must have skill for a special teams gunner. The loser could still end up on the practice squad though, or maybe both. You never know with these low round picks.

Tomorrow we have T.Ram looking at Tight Ends and VanRam looking at Running Backs.

Tweet Comment 7 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

if only bartell could catch the ball he would have had himself a fine year

i lost count of how many times the ball landed in his lap and he dropped it. it was painful to watch. i like bartell but im a much bigger fan of fletcher. hopefully murphy takes a big step forward this year.

"Emancipate yourself from mental slavery, none but ourselves can free our minds."

by Buck Nasty87 on Jul 21, 2011 2:06 PM CDT reply actions

If Bartell could catch the ball he'd be a wide receiver.

Corners are essentially guys who couldn’t make their HS team as a wide receiver. No shock that he has sheet rock hands. As long as he covers well thats good enough.

by Da Rams! on Jul 21, 2011 5:16 PM CDT up reply actions

Bartell had for than a fine year.

He would have just have a great year if he caught those interceptions.

"I kind of stepped my swagger up. You look at the Madden game and the swagger's so low, maybe they'll bump me up. Before it was a meatball flex, so you've got to liven it up a little bit." - Animal Jr.

by douchiedude on Jul 21, 2011 5:41 PM CDT up reply actions

more than*

by douchiedude on Jul 21, 2011 5:42 PM CDT up reply actions

Think about how much better Fletcher has become since his rookie season......

……I’m expecting the same kind of jump for Murphy this year. At the very least, I’m HOPING for that kind of jump!

The truth is always the right answer....

by Pekka for Predator Pontiff on Jul 21, 2011 2:18 PM CDT reply actions

Man buck i said the same thing! if bartell didnt have baby hands he would have been a pro bowler!

by kevio3000 on Jul 21, 2011 2:19 PM CDT via mobile reply actions

Give Coach Spags some credit for these guys.

As the former DB coach has been able to maximize their talents thus far. Fletcher has been a great pick so far. This is the most solid group of CBs we’ve had in a while.

"I was just letting the shots fly. You know, I don't leave any bullets in the chamber."

"Everything negative- pressure, challenges- is all an opportunity for me to rise."

-Kobe Bryant

Chris Mortensen: "You know it's the 'Show-Me' State right Sam?"

"Pshh, 'Show Me.' (smirking) Yeah, I've heard that."

-Sam Bradford

by TrojanRam on Jul 21, 2011 3:44 PM CDT reply actions