St. Louis Rams Roster Preview: Defensive Backs

Defensive Backs on the Roster: E.J. Gaines, Janoris Jenkins, Trumaine Johnson, Marcus Roberson, Rodney McLeod, T.J. McDonald, Lamarcus Joyner, Mark Barron, Cody Davis, Maurice Alexander, Imoan Claiborne, Brandon McGee, Montell Garner, Jacob Hagen, Jay Hughes, Christian Bryant

The strength of the St. Louis Rams defense lies in their front seven. General Manager Les Snead and head coach Jeff Fisher have built one of the more feared defensive fronts in all of football. Even with all of this strength, they did not neglect the defensive backfield.

ALSO ON SPIN ZONE: 30 Greatest Defenders of All-Time

The Rams defense was 19^th in the NFL in passing yards allowed in 2014 behind a young group highlighted by E.J. Gaines, Janoris Jenkins, T.J. McDonald and Rodney McLeod. This group, along with Lamarcus Joyner, Trumaine Johnson and Mark Barron were a tough, physical group who showed growth as the season progressed. The entire group is 26 years old or younger, with the 26 year old Jenkins playing the role of “elder statesman”.

More from Los Angeles Rams

Cornerbacks

The Rams have a solid group of young, big cornerbacks. The group all run taller than 5’10”, with Jenkins being the shortest. Each of the group displays great strength and a strong frame, allowing them to be physical at the line of scrimmage.

The two players that will likely be the starters are Jenkins and Gaines. Jenkins is entering his fourth NFL season, and has emerged as a clear number one cornerback on the Rams. He has a stout, strong build that allows him to be extremely physical at the line of scrimmage – making him a great fit for Fisher’s defense. He provides good support in run defense, evident by his 59 tackles in 2014. He took a bit of a step back on pass defense, defending only five passes after defending 14 in each of his first two seasons. Jenkins did intercept two passes, returning both of them for touchdowns.

Across from Jenkins is Gaines. After being selected in the sixth round last year, he emerged as a clear starter. Gaines collected 70 tackles in his rookie season, showing great toughness in run support. He also defended 15 passes and grabbed two interceptions. He showed great ball skills, making him a great match with Jenkins.

The Rams also have a great backup plan in Johnson. He is the tallest and longest cornerback of the group at 6’2” with long arms. As a backup, Johnson grabbed a team-high three interceptions in just nine games – one of which he returned for a touchdown. Johnson also defended six passes.

The other backup option will likely be second-year player Marcus Roberson. While he did not have an impactful rookie season, Roberson has great size and length. He is physical and has good ball skills. If he emerges as a legitimate backup option, he could help elevate the Rams defense to another level.

Safety’s

The Rams have a very versatile and intriguing group of safety’s. They use the athletic group to provide support in the run game, and to blitz and provide extra pass rush. The group is led by McDonald and McLeod. They were third and fourth on the team in tackles, respectively. McDonald collected over 100 tackles, including two sacks, seven passes defensed and an interception. He uses his big frame to play like another linebacker on the Rams defense, while also providing a toughness over the middle of the field.

McLeod showed that he is a bit more of a deep safety, using his quickness to provide good help over the top. He defended six passes and grabbed two interceptions. He also forced two fumbles and recovered two more, showing he has a nose for the ball.

Nov 9, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; St. Louis Rams strong safety Mark Barron (26) warms up prior to the game against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

His job could be in trouble, however. The Rams brought in former top-ten pick Mark Barron in a trade with Tampa Bay during the 2014 season. He has great size and good skills, and appears to be a better fit for Fisher’s system. Barron collected three sacks in nine games, making him a great option to blitz and make plays. He could push for either McDonald’s or McLeod’s job.

The Rams also have a very good option to play multiple positions in Joyner. He has good quickness And Coverage skills, showing he can play as a slot cornerback or a safety. He collected 40 tackles in 2014, and is poised to play a bigger role in 2015.

The remainder of players that will likely make the roster are special teams players. The likely candidates are Davis and Alexander. They both have great quickness and provide great toughness and tackling ability.

Projected Depth Chart

LCB – E.J. Gaines; Trumaine Johnson

RCB – Janoris Jenkins; Marcus Roberson

FS – Rodney McLeod; Lamarcus Joyner; Mark Barron

SS – T.J. McDonald; Cody Davis; Maurice Alexander

Next: St. Louis Rams Roster Preview: Linebackers

More from NFL Spin Zone

Home/Los Angeles Rams