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“Cornering” the market on defensive backs in the draft
TL;DR
The Los Angeles Rams have upgraded their cornerback unit with Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson, but still lack depth. Emmanuel Forbes is the primary backup, but his inconsistent performance raises concerns, while undrafted free agents Cam Lampkin and Alex Johnson have yet to see any defensive snaps.
Cornerback prospect Keith Abney can play outside or over the slot (Photo by Kevin Abele/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
While the Los Angeles Rams personnel braintrust did off-season yeoman’s work to upgrade the cornerback unit, there is still a missing piece. Behind the the additions of Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson, the room gets quite thin.
As of today, the primary backup is Emmanuel Forbes. He enters his fourth pro season and second full year with the Rams. Although he has logged 15 starts and 850+ reps in 19 games, his coverage play has been spotty and his missed tackle rate is over 20 percent. There is certainly room for an upgrade here.
Behind him are undrafted free agents Cam Lampkin and Alex Johnson. Lampkin begins his third season in L.A. and has never played a defensive snap, nor has Johnson after stops with four teams (New York Jets, Indianapolis Colts, Tennessee Titans, and the Rams).
Under Les Snead and Sean McVay, the Rams have not done particularly well when identifying and drafting long-term cornerbacks. They have drafted five, David Long (#79-2019), Robert Rochell (#130-2021), Derion Kendrick (#212-2022), Cobie Durant (#142-2022), and Tre’Vius Tomlinson (#182-2023). Of the quintet, only Durant would be considered as starting grade and none were offered a second Rams contract.
Can fans expect better results if using Round 1 or 2 draft capital?
Here are the cornerbacks with draftable grades off my final Top 300 Big Board.
Round 1
Mansoor Delane – LSU 6’ 187 lb.
Jermod McCoy – Tennessee 6’1” 188 lb.
Avieon Terrell – Clemson 5’11” 186 lb.
Round 2
Colton Hood – Tennessee 6’ 193 lb.
Chris Johnson – San Diego State 6’ 193 lb.
Brandon Cisse – South Carolina 6’ 189 lb.
D’Angelo Ponds – Indiana 5’9” 182 lb.
Keith Abney – Arizona State 5’10” 187 lb.
Treydan Stukes – Arizona 6’1” 190 lb.
San Diego State CB Chris Johnson has a chance to be the first G5 player selected in 2026. Top-tier athlete and best special teams tape I watched this summer pic.twitter.com/goj9h6Nocg
— James Foster (@NoFlagsFilm) August 19, 2025
Round 3
Keionte Scott – Miami 5’11” 193 lb.
Julian Neal – Arkansas 6’2” 203 lb.
Davison Igbinosun – Ohio State 6’2” 189 lb.
Malik Muhammad – Texas 6’ 182 lb.
Round 4
Devin Moore – Florida 6’3” 193 lb.
Chandler Rivers – Duke 5’10” 185 lb.
Will Lee – Texas A&M 6’2” 189 lb.
Daylan Everette – Georgia 6’ 1 198 lb.
Tacario Davis – Washington 6’4” 194 lb.
Round 5
Charles Demmings – Stephen Austin 6’1” 193 lb.
Hezekiah Masses – California 6’1” 179 lb.
Jadon Canaday – Oregon 5’11” 181 lb.
Ephesians Prysock – Washington 6’3” 196 lb.
Devon Marshall – North Carolina State 5’10” 194 lb.
Round 6
Thaddeus Dixon – North Carolina 6’1” 195 lb.
TJ Hall – Iowa 6’1” 189 lb.
Round 7
Domani Jackson – ‘Bama 6’ 1” 194 lb.
Andre Fuller – Toledo 6’1” 200 lb.
Collin Wright – Stanford 6’ 188 lb.
Lorenzo Styles – Ohio State 6’1” 194 lb.
Andre Fuller (6’1 200) Toledo
- Great size for an outside corner
- Experienced player with over 2,000 career snaps played
- 89.8 run defense and 80.0 coverage grade during the 2025 season
- Physical in run support
- Competitive at the catch point
- 9.19 relative athletic score… pic.twitter.com/6rDYAQ0PSs
— Bengals & Brews (@BengalsBrews) March 31, 2026
My guys
I really like Chris Johnson, but the problem is he won’t be around at #61. Without a small trade back, you have to want him at #13. If his formational versatility, toughness, and coverage ability aren’t enough, he tested very well on athleticism and move skills at the NFL Combine.
Two smaller guys, D’Angelo Ponds and Keith Abney are both tough as nails, have plus cover skills and can play outside or in the slot. #13 is a bit rich, but I would be comfortable with either one’s physicality at #61.
There are also three prospects that offer corner/safety versatility, Treydan Stukes, Julian Neal, and Andre Fuller. All three have a lot of experience in zone, track as ball hawks, and are willing tacklers. Neal and Fuller will likely be available in the mid and late rounds.
Should the Rams target a CB#3 early?
Q&A
What is the current status of the Rams' cornerback unit?
The Rams have added Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson to their cornerback unit, but depth remains a concern with Emmanuel Forbes as the primary backup.
How has Emmanuel Forbes performed with the Rams?
Emmanuel Forbes has logged 15 starts and over 850 reps in 19 games, but his coverage play has been inconsistent, with a missed tackle rate exceeding 20 percent.
Who are the undrafted free agents in the Rams' cornerback lineup?
The undrafted free agents in the Rams' cornerback lineup are Cam Lampkin and Alex Johnson, both of whom have yet to play a defensive snap.
What challenges does the Rams' cornerback depth present?
The lack of experienced depth behind the starters raises concerns about the team's ability to handle injuries or performance issues in the cornerback position.
