2017 Rams Roster Preview: Will S Maurice Alexander Prove That He Belongs?

Ever since Los Angeles Rams S Maurice Alexander was drafted by the St. Louis Rams in the 2014 NFL Draft, his backstory as a janitor in the Edwards Jones Dome was a popular one.

While that’s a good story, the real story is what Alexander has did in his first year as a full-time starter in 2016.

Here is what John Gatta of PFF had to say listing Alexander as his most-improved safety in all of the NFL last year:

Alexander played nothing but special teams as a rookie in 2014. The next season, he got his shot on defense in Week 7 and ended up playing in every game to finish out the year. The Rams moved him all over the place; he spent 43 percent of his snaps as a free safety, and he struggled. Jump to 2016 and Alexander found his rhythm as the team’s starting FS, playing over 75 percent of his snaps there. He displayed great coverage skills, as he was targeted once of every 32.4 coverage snaps (the fourth-best rate of 92 qualified safeties).

Roster Battle

Alexander is going to be a starter in 2017. The only issue that I could see happening over the horizon is if the Rams attempt to give their third-round choice John Johnson snaps at safety with Lamarcus Joyner.

Aside from that, unless there is an injury Alexander will be the guy.

Expectations

My expectations are for Alexander to develop more and prove that he belongs in the conversation of best safeties. There are some issues that he needs to shore up, but I expect him to perform well enough that he could be a priority re-sign, since he will be a free agent in 2018.

Chances of Making The Final Roster (10/10)

Last season, Alexander was an unknown as a starter. He has since shown that he could play at a high level. The only question is how good of a player will he develop into. He’s only had one full year as a starter and he was an above average safety.