2017 Rams Roster Preview: S Lamarcus Joyner, New Position, Same Man?

Imagine a player who’s among the best at his position in the NFL. Now imagine making him change positions.

That just happens to be the case with Los Angeles Rams former nickel CB and now starting S Lamarcus Joyner.

Joyner is sliding back to FS because he will now get more playing time. For an effective and young player who plays all out every snap, it’s a positive to have him out on the field more often. Making the transition to his former college position allows him to slide down to the nickel at times, making him a versatile chess piece in the secondary.

Roster Battle

For Joyner, he’s got two positions to battle for. Though he’d likely start at either, his main competition will be rookie S John Johnson or veteran S Cody Davis, and CB Nickell Robey-Coleman in the slot. S Maurice Alexander will play alongside the safety spot Joyner, Johnson and Davis are working.

I assume that Joyner will start at FS, and when the Rams slide to nickel, but more often dime defensive formations, Joyner will revert to the nickel job.

Expectations

For the contract year Joyner, much is expected. He’s been a fiesty defender in the league thus far, and more is the hope. A solid defender who is versatile and can play near the LOS or deep, Joyner offers a lot of scheme versatility.

Pairing Joyner and Alexander on the back end will surely help new Defensive Coordinator Wade Phillips when it comes to becoming creative with his personnel groupings.

Chances of Making the Final Roster (10/10)

Joyner is a not only a starter, but he will be relied upon to lead the secondary playing multiple positions. Joyner is making the roster, without a doubt.