Can Rams keep it going with shocking undrafted rookie Jaylen McCollough?
If the Rams don’t make him a starter, Jaylen McCollough could make history: He could be the first undrafted rookie in history to intercept four passes while making zero starts.
That’s only the beginning of the crazy season of rookie McCollough, the best defensive back named “Jalen” (phonetically) on Monday when L.A. plays the Dolphins, a player who only had 54 snaps for the entire year prior to intercepting his fourth pass of the season on Sunday against the Seahawks. McCollough now has 100 snaps and four picks, but there’s so much more to say:
- First player (any experience level) since 2010 with 4+ INTs and 0 starts
- First rookie with 4+ INTs and a pick-6 since Riq Woolen in 2022
- First rookie UDFA with 4+ INTs since Brandon Browner in 2011
Only 18 months ago, the Rams traded Jalen Ramsey to the Dolphins for a third round pick and Hunter Long. Only a year ago, McCollough was a senior at Tennessee trying to move past a 2022 assault charge. Only six months ago, the 2024 NFL Draft came and went without McCollough’s name being called. Only two months ago, McCollough was a bubble player who few predicted would make L.A.’s 53-man roster.
Less than a week ago, McCollough stamped his name among the NFL’s leaders in interceptions.
What could the future bring for the 6’, 202 lb safety who played his first extensive action last week?
Luckily for the Rams, that’s not a question that requires an immediate answer.
McCollough has been a spark for the defense when they needed it and he will be under contract for several more years after this one. Maybe he’s already played his best ball, maybe he hasn’t. As you can see, it’s inadvisable to try and predict the future with players like this.
