Turf Show Times
One of main negatives constantly tossed about is the Rams defensive pass coverage. In reality, the 2025 secondary has statistically improved over each of the last two seasons. Even so, it’s still a middle of the NFL pack unit and may need a total rebuild for 2026.
The Rams have two corners currently under contract for next season, Darious Williams and Emmanuel Forbes. You could add Josh Wallace, but realistically, he’s made the move to “STAR”. They could also sign Alex Johnson and Cam Lampkin off the practice squad to Reserve/Future contracts. None of these really inspire confidence. Before the playoff game in Chicago, Williams hadn’t played in a month and had been a healthy scratch. Forbes in all fairness, should be rated as a good signing, but his play has been up-and-down.
One thing that stands out about the Rams corners is their lack of size, and physicality goes hand-in-hand with that. The 2026 class of cornerback draft prospects appears quite deep. Here’s a look at prospects off my draftboard that stand 6’2” or better and count physical play styles in their skillsets.
Devin Moore – Florida 6’ 3” 198 lb.
Four-star prospect who broke out as a senior, recording Pro Football Focus grades of 84.2 for overall defense, 83.2 coverage, 81.5 against the run, and 78.5 tackling. Spent his first two seasons fighting injuries, shoulder surgery in 2022 and back and concussion problems in 2023. As a junior, he was off to a hot start before another shoulder surgery shelved him. All told, Moore accrued 17 starts over a 30-game career and charted 64 tackles, five interceptions, and 14 passes broken up. Moore’s coaches credit him with improving his maturity, eating and workout habits to overcome the injury bug.
Four-star recruit with the versatility to play corner and safety. Very good in zone coverages, played a lot of Cover3 zone for the Gators and might be best served as free safety. Backpedal is average, but he has the loose hips to bail and smoothly change directions. Good field eyes to follow receiver and QB. Understands routes and where the point of action will be. In man, quick twitch cuts can give him some problems, but he understands angles and is blessed with recovery speed and long arms. Physical at the catch point and has the ball skills and body control for contested catches. Willing against the run and a good tackler, but looks quite lean on tape and isn’t a stac/shed guy. Much better in space.
There is certainly a developmental aspect to drafting Moore, he needs reps to reach his potential. On film, he clearly shows all the traits to be an NFL player, size, length, athleticism, and skillset. But he only has one full season of production, injuries (particularly shoulder) must be accounted for when projecting him. In the mid/late Round 3 area, he offers enough reward for the risk.
Julian Neal – Arkansas 6’ 2” 208 lb.
Neal received offers as a...
