On Monday, Bleacher Report’s Brent Sobleski published a new article where he picked on player from each of the NFL’s 32 teams that he believes is poised for a breakout season in 2021. For the Rams, that player is second-year safety Terrell Burgess.
Here’s what he had to say:
The Rams secondary will experience massive changes.
First, Brandon Staley became the new Chargers head coach after only one season as Rams defensive coordinator. Second, safety John Johnson III and cornerback Troy Hill left in free agency to sign with the Browns.
Their departures open up possibilities for Terrell Burgess. Rams general manager Les Snead chose Burgess in last year’s third round. He played seven games before suffering a broken ankle. Burgess will bring a valuable skill set as a safety comfortable working over the slot. Johnson and Hill played over interior receivers more than any other defensive backs on the roster last season. Burgess can take on that role as a hybrid nickel corner.
Coming into the 2020 draft, Burgess was seen as a super physical and versatile defensive back who could play almost every position in the secondary should the need arise. By the start of the season, he settled in at safety where most predicted he’d land, which meant he was stuck behind impact starter John Johnson III. The likes of fellow rookie Jordan Fuller and Taylor Rapp also made the position a bit crowded, as well.
But now that Johnson is a Brown, the opportunity is there for Burgess to step in to some more playing time and see if he, Fuller, and Rapp can help continue the strong rapport of the Rams secondary alongside Jalen Ramsey and Darious Williams.
Now for today’s links.
Rams News:
Les Snead discusses just how special of an athlete Leonard Floyd is (TheRams.com)
Will Sean McVay or Matthew Stafford be under more pressure in 2021? (The Rams Wire)
The Rams had interest in John Ross before signing DeSean Jackson (The Rams Wire)
What will the Rams new jersey look like in 2021? (Ramblin’ Fan)
NFL News:
Experts debate the best moves and most-improved teams so far in free agency (ESPN)
The Jaguars are signing former 49ers QB CJ Beathard (ESPN)
The Colts are expected to retain T.Y. Hilton (NFL.com)
The five best and worst free agent signings (CBS Sports)
Tom Fornelli’s latest mock draft (CBS Sports)
Donovan Smith agreed to two-year extension with Bucs (Pro Football Talk)