Much has been made about the Los Angeles Rams’ defensive line after the team drafted Jared Verse and Braden Fiske, but the biggest question on the defense might be the secondary.
Los Angeles did well to replenish the defensive back room as they signed Darious Williams and Tre’Davious White in free agency to pair with up-and-comer Cobie Durant. The three figure to be the leading candidates to start, leaving Derion Kendrick without a clear role.
During OTAs, defensive coordinator Chris Shula acknowledged that they’re toying with a few players to play in the scheme’s “Star” role, with Kendrick being one of the candidates. His size and physicality makes him a solid choice, though he’ll likely compete with Russ Yeast and Quentin Lake as well.
Last season, Kendrick dealt with legal troubles after being arrested for carrying a concealed firearm and marijuana, which are both misdemeanor charges. However, he had the charges dropped after completing the terms set before him in a previous hearing, via Audacy:
A judge dismissed a misdemeanor gun case Tuesday against Los Angeles Rams cornerback Derion Kendrick after the football player completed the terms of a diversion program.
Over the prosecution’s objection last December, Superior Court Judge Lucy Armendariz had ordered Kendrick to perform 20 hours of community service and a gun safety program — the latter of which she noted had already been completed.
The judge noted then that the case would be dismissed in one year if Kendrick complies with the diversion program, adding that she might be willing to consider a dismissal earlier if he completed the terms before then.
Kendrick’s attorney issued a statement on the matter:
“He fulfilled his obligations,” Kendrick’s attorney, Mark Werksman, said. “He deserved a dismissal because he’s a good young man who never meant to do anything wrong here and the court recognized that.”
For Kendrick and the Rams, the two sides can finally move past this situation and focus on the upcoming regular season. Kendrick has shown flashes on the field the past two seasons, though his third year is a pivotal one as he needs to show L.A. that he’s worth investing in long term.
Rams defensive coordinator Chris Shula mic’d up at OTAs
This is the first OTA period where Chris Shula will be calling the defense and he was recently mic’d up during practice. In the video, Shula displays the same level of excitement and enthusiasm on the field as head coach Sean McVay does and looks to be close with the players already.
