The Los Angeles Rams are in desperate need for more depth at the secondary despite their productive approach to free agency this offseason. Although many speculated they might head into the 2017 NFL Draft looking for a defensive back, it seems the Rams have instead taken matters into their own hands.
Los Angeles officially announced they have signed former USC standout corner, Nickell Robey-Coleman:
Welcome back to Southern California, @SLOTGOD21 ????????#MobSquad pic.twitter.com/61GmQ9dRLp
— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) April 7, 2017
Robey-Coleman was a two-time All-Pac-12 selection before going undrafted and signing with the Buffalo Bills. Although his professional career got off to a relatively slow start, he has progressed each year he has been in the league. Robey-Coleman will be reunited with fellow Trojan, Robert Woods, whom the Rams signed earlier this offseason.
Last season was undoubtedly Robey-Coleman’s best as he recorded 35 tackles, two interceptions, and broke up seven passes. To the dismay of Rams fans, he returned one of those interceptions for 44 yards and a touchdown in Week 5 during his return to The Coliseum.
Fortunately, Los Angeles has now hired his services as the team’s slot corner. There were rumors that last year’s nickel, Lamarcus Joyner, would consider moving to safety full-time. The signing of Robey-Coleman essentially confirms that switch now that the Rams have a plethora of corners.
Now that the pressure of a thinning secondary has been relieved a bit, Los Angeles will likely focus on acquiring another playmaker on the offensive side of the ball in the upcoming draft. Due to their heavy depth in the secondary, they may be able to add another safety in the later rounds.
