:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/60618367/usa_today_10847024.0.jpg)
When you’ve got a chance to acquire a Kansas City thief you’ve got to, right?
The Los Angeles Rams certainly thought so, which is why they traded for Kansas City Chiefs CB Marcus Peters prior to the 2018 NFL Draft.
The Rams pounced on a chance to acquire a special talent at a premium position in today’s NFL. They acquired a two-time pro bowler and former defensive rookie of the year who has been one of the most productive cornerbacks the league history with 19 interceptions and six forced fumbles in three years.
The issue, of course, is why he was available and at a cost that didn’t include a first-round pick. Peters’ relationship with the coaching staff of the Kansas City Chiefs had deteriorated to such a degree that they were nearly willing to part with him at any cost. The Rams helped make that happen.
So while Peters may be regarded as a headcase, the talent is simply too rich. Head Coach Sean McVay and Defensive Coordinator Wade Phillips believe they have the structure and culture in place to handle a personality such as Peters’. The most intriguing part of the trade is that Phillips routinely gets the best play from his defensive stalwarts.
Look for Peters to make a major impact for the Rams in 2018, and hopefully for many more years...as long as the Rams can keep his passion channeled into his play on the field.
Roster battle
There simply is no battle. Peters is the guy. The only question here is what side of the field will Peters occupy?
Lets not forget, the Rams also traded for five-time Pro Bowl cornerback Aqib Talib. One of the exuberant CB’s will occupy the right side, while the other the left. It’ll certainly be interesting to see which corner will get his hands on the offense’s top threat more often.
With the top spots locked in, the Rams still have incredible depth in the secondary. Leftover cornerbacks are starting nickel CB Nickell Robey-Coleman (roster preview), depth pieces Sam Shields (roster preview) and Troy Hill (roster preview), and promising youngsters Kevin Peterson (roster preview) and Dominique Hatfield (roster preview).
Expectations
I’m expecting all-pro caliber type of play from “the juiceman”. In a defense that was sub-par in Kansas City, he simply balled out. Now getting his chance in an extremely talented defense with the best player in football applying pressure on quarterbacks, I’m ready to see Peters house a few interceptions.
Peters, Talib, Robey-Coleman, as well as safeties Lamarcus Joyner and John Johnson III truly have the potential to be the best secondary in the NFL bar none.
Chances of Making Final Roster (10/10)
Can I go higher here?
The real issue is his chances of being on the roster in 2020. He’s under contract this season and next, so it’s really a question as to whether or not the Rams will be the team to invest in his long-term future.
Stay tuned...