Rams News

More speed is all that is lacking in secondary
04/15 12:55 AM

By Jim Thomas
Of the Post-Dispatch Staff
The Rams could use more speed in the secondary. But other than that, the position is more NFL-ready than any other unit on the club's roster.
The starting secondary is cornerbacks Todd Lyght and Ryan McNeil, and safeties Keith Lyle and Toby Wright. They are young veterans who should be in the prime of their careers. Wright is recovering from reconstructive knee surgery and could miss most of training camp.
Billy Jenkins Jr. and Gerald McBurrows are solid backups at safety. Second-year men Taje Allen and Dexter McCleon are candidates for nickel-back duties again.
So defensive back figures to be low on the team's list of draft priorities, although the Rams might take a look at a prospect somewhere in the mid to late rounds. Of the 18 draft prospects known to have visited Rams Park in late March and early April, only one was a defensive back: Syracuse safety Tebucky Jones, a likely second-round pick by someone.
Keep in mind also, the Rams might make defensive back more of a draft-day priority if they feel the stalemated contract talks with McNeil will be a serious problem. McNeil currently has the team's franchise player designation.
And all bets are off if the unlikely happens and Heisman Trophy winner Charles Woodson somehow slides down to No. 6 in the draft.

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