2017 Rams Roster Preview: CB Nickell Robey-Coleman In A Pinch

Once the Los Angeles Rams announced a FS move for former nickel CB Lamarcus Joyner, we knew they had to have a plan in mind. It turns out, they did.

The Rams went ahead and inked the former USC CB Nickell Robey-Coleman to a 1-year deal worth $855K.

When you look at the deal from an outside perspective, you probably think, “Well, that’s cheap. He’s likely just for depth”, but Robey-Coleman has been one of the leagues better nickel corners in his time in his four NFL seasons with the Buffalo Bills, take a look at Pro Football Focus’ evaluation:

Impressive. Outside of one season, NRC has always been an above-average nickel CB, and typically is far ahead of that average threshold.

Roster Battle

NRC wont be playing on the boundary, so neither Trumaine Johnson nor Kayvon Webster are threats to his job. Now, his true competition in the nickel role will be Lamarcus Joyner if he ever slides down into nickel, Blake Countess (roster preview), and potentially even E.J. Gaines.

Expectations

I fully expect NRC to play a good amount of time on the defense, specifically in nickel and dime situations.

Chances of Making Final Roster (8.5/10)

A 25-year old CB with 64 games of experience on a dirt cheap deal? Yeah, NRC will not only make this roster, but he’ll have a role on this defense.