The Los Angeles Rams‘ secondary got off to a terrible start last season but by the end of the year, it was excelling against even the top receivers in the league – including Justin Jefferson and A.J. Brown in the postseason. That turnaround in coverage helped the Rams make a run in the playoffs but they can’t afford to get off to such a slow start in 2025.
With many of the same defensive backs on the roster still, the Rams are counting on their incumbent starters to take positive steps this season. The question is, will they? From Darious Williams and Ahkello Witherspoon at cornerback to Kamren Curl and Kamren Kinchens at safety, the Rams have talent in the secondary. They just need to play better as a cohesive unit.
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Here’s a look at how the secondary stands with training camp getting underway.
Roster locks
All six of these players are going to make the team and they’ll all play major roles on defense, too. Williams, Witherspoon and Durant are the top pure cornerbacks, but Lake is as versatile as anyone and is essentially a slot cornerback who can also play safety.
Curl and Kinchens gave the Rams a dynamic new safety tandem last season in their first year with the team, as Kinchens tied for the team lead with four interceptions. Kinchens should see even more playing time in Year 2 now that he’s gained some comfort on defense.
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Likely to make it
McCollough is almost certain to make the 53-man roster but as a former undrafted rookie, the Rams don’t have big financial ties to him. Plus, he needs to show that his strong rookie season in 2024 wasn’t a fluke after picking off four passes, returning one for a touchdown.
He’s a great backup to have on the roster with his ability to play deep or cover the slot.
On the bubble
This is where things get very complicated and unpredictable. The Rams are likely to keep at least eight defensive backs, potentially even going as high as 10 DBs. That means anywhere from one to three of the players listed here will make the 53-man roster.
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All of them likely breathed a sigh of relief when the Rams chose not to trade for Jalen Ramsey or Jaire Alexander, giving them a much better shot to make the team. Now the real work begins in training camp as they attempt to show the coaching staff that they deserve to stick around into September.
Forbes is perhaps the most intriguing name on the list because of his pedigree of being a former first-round pick. Kendrick missed all of 2024 with a torn ACL but he’s back this year and attempting to reclaim a starting spot in the secondary.
Dixon-Williams and Valcarcel are two undrafted rookies with a lot to prove and given the Rams’ knack for finding talented safeties late in the draft or in free agency, one of them could be the next gem.
Position battle to watch
Williams vs. Witherspoon vs. Durant
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If not for Lake, these three players would likely be the top cornerbacks in nickel packages. However, Lake’s ability to play in the slot complicates things for Williams, Witherspoon and Durant. Lake plays every snap, which means Williams, Witherspoon and Durant could be competing for the two outside cornerback spots.
The Rams will rotate their corners a bit depending on the opponent and individual matchup, but only two of them are likely to be full-time players. That competition could be sorted out in training camp.
Potential sleeper
While not a sleeper by name as a former first-rounder, Forbes is someone to watch. He barely played after being claimed by the Rams last season but with a full offseason of training in Los Angeles, his stock is on the rise. He received high praise from his coaches during the offseason workout program, too, even bulking up this spring in an attempt to get better in his third NFL season.
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It’s not out of the question for him to play a lot of snaps for the Rams this season.
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This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: Rams training camp: Will LA’s secondary be a strength or weakness?