Although the Los Angeles Rams have managed to put together quite the talented secondary in recent years, it appears Taylor Rapp is showing signs of becoming the next integral piece of this group.
The Rams made a splash by pairing John Johnson III with Eric Weddle over the top in free agency this offseason. Meanwhile, Aqib Talib, Marcus Peters, and Nickell Robey-Coleman are looking to pick up where they left off to finish the 2018 campaign.
Regardless, Los Angeles made sure to shore up some much-needed depth to their secondary by taking Rapp with the 61st overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft. It seems the rookie has already started to make a solid impression on head coach Sean McVay.
According to Gary Klein of the Los Angeles Times, McVay is pleased with what he has seen from Rapp thus far following the team’s scrimmage versus the Los Angeles Chargers:
“He took some steps in the right direction,” against the Chargers, McVay said. “He showed up on the field.
“He’s so conscientious — he’s going to keep getting better every day.”
Johnson also offered up some high praise for his new teammate, who he and Weddle have both been mentoring:
“He’s going to be a real good player for a long time,” Johnson said. “He can move, he can run.
“He’s a flat-out baller.”
It is encouraging to see that Rapp has already started to make some waves as a welcome addition to the defense. There is no question that both players and coaches alike have taken notice of his skill set.
Although the Rams have their starting lineup essentially set on defense, there is still a very good opportunity for Rapp to etch out an integral role for himself moving forward. His versatility as a potential run-stopper and coverage man will allow defensive coordinator Wade Phillips to plug him in anywhere he feels he can be effective.
While taking in Phillips’ defense can be a lot for a rookie, he has the benefit of learning from two bonafide safeties in Weddle and Johnson. Having such Pro Bowl-caliber teammates playing the same position should certainly go a long way toward his development moving forward.
The Rams have not been shy about their plans to take a cautious approach by sitting most of their starters out for the preseason. As a result, Rapp should get ample opportunities to prove that he is more than capable of making an immediate impact on defense in the 2019 NFL season.
