The Los Angeles Rams fielded the most dominant defensive unit of the 2020 season. If they are to repeat that success, the Rams will have to fill the roles left by a few key departures. After four seasons as a starter for Los Angeles, safety John Johnson III was one of the impact players lost to the salary cap shuffle.

Now, the training camp battle to fill Johnson’s position and play the second safety spot next to Jordan Fuller is on. While the group competing includes undrafted rookies and returning special teams contributors, the competition seems mostly between veteran Taylor Rapp and second year safety Terrell Burgess. While Rapp may have the advantage of starting ten games in 2019, Burgess may offer more versatility for new defensive coordinator Raheem Morris.

Let’s see it in the comments. Who do you think will replace safety John Johnson III?

And now for today’s links:

RAMS NEWS:

DeSean Jackson called LeSean McCoy recruiting him to Rams, and the RB sounds interested (RamsWire)

LA Rams sing: Oh, Big Chungus, Wherefore Art Thou? (RamblinFan)

LA Rams proved unproven RBs do not mean incapable last year (RamblinFan)

Position battle preview: Second safety spot (Rams.com)

SoFi Stadium and Samsung reveal new name for 70,000 square foot videoboard: The Infinity Screen by Samsung (Rams.com)

NFL NEWS:

Niners signing All-Pro LB Fred Warner to record five-year extension (NFL.com)

Browns QB Baker Mayfield remaining patient regarding new deal: ‘Everything will play itself out’ (NFL.com)

State of the 2021 Miami Dolphins: Will Tua Tagovailoa step up in Year 2? (NFL.com)

Linebacker Vince Williams, 31, informs Pittsburgh Steelers of his retirement after eight seasons (ESPN)

Agent’s Take: Sizing up Stephon Gilmore, Xavien Howard situations, with solutions for the disgruntled corners (CBSsports)