Snead’s Snacks: Who are the best fits for the Rams at cornerback?

One of the biggest needs for the Los Angeles Rams in the NFL Draft is cornerback. While the team re-signed Ahkello Witherspoon and opted to keep Darious Williams, there is still a need here. At some point, the Rams need a future at the position which is something that they haven’t had since trading away Jalen Ramsey.

Since the 2020 NFL Draft, I’ve done a series called Snead’s Snacks. In other words, we’re going to find and look at common themes and traits of previous Les Snead draft picks and see which players in the upcoming NFL Draft fit the mold for the Rams.

The focus for today’s edition of “Snead’s Snacks” will be in the secondary at cornerback. Over past years, I’ve correctly predicted Cobie Durant and Robert Rochell as potential draft picks.

Notable Past Rams Drafted Players

Cobie Durant, South Carolina State – 4th Round

Athletic Measurements
Category	Measurement	Percentile
Height	5’9″	12th percentile
Weight	180 lbs	8th percentile
Arm Length	30.75 inches	26th percentile
Shuttle	4.4 seconds	N/A
Broad Jump	117 inches	N/A
Vertical Jump	36 inches	N/A
3-Cone	7.02 seconds	N/A
40-Yard Dash	4.38 seconds	89th percentile
Athletic Trait Grades
Grades	Rating
Size Grade	Very Poor
Speed Grade	Elite
Explosion Grade	Okay
RAS	5.1 – Okay
Player Traits
Good ball skills/ball production
Plays bigger than his size
Fast/Quick feet

Overview of Pick

It made perfect sense why the Rams chose Durant in the fourth-round of the 2022 NFL Draft. To put it frankly, he was a perfect fit. The Rams haven’t targeted big cornerbacks in the past and Durant’s speed matched up perfectly with what Snead has looked for at the position.

Derion Kendrick, CB, Georgia – 6th Round

Athletic Measurements
Category	Measurement	Percentile
Height	5’11”	58th percentile
Weight	195 lbs	56th percentile
Arm Length	31 inches	34th percentile
Broad Jump	114 inches	N/A
Vertical Jump	31 inches	N/A
40-Yard Dash	4.79 seconds	N/A
Athletic Trait Grades
Grades	Rating
Size Grade	Good
Speed Grade	Very Poor
Explosion Grade	Very Poor
RAS	1.51 – Poor
Player Traits
Good ball skills/soft hands
Scheme diverse
Good aggression and physicality in run game
Excellent play speed/reacts quick

Overview of Pick

Derion Kendrick was a bit of a surprise pick given his lack of speed in the 40-yard dash. However, he played faster on tape and showcased good ball skills and tackling ability. He may not be a starting caliber cornerback, but he’s shown he can be a spot starter.

Robert Rochell, CB, Central Arkansas – 4th Round

Athletic Measurements
Category	Measurement	Percentile
Height	6’0″	57th percentile
Weight	193 lbs	52nd percentile
Arm Length	32.375 inches	82nd percentile
Shuttle	4.08 seconds	69th percentile
Broad Jump	133 inches	96th percentile
Vertical Jump	43 inches	98th percentile
3-Cone	6.84 seconds	71st percentile
40-Yard Dash	4.41 seconds	79th percentile
Athletic Trait Grades
Grades	Rating
Size Grade	Good
Speed Grade	Elite
Explosion Grade	Elite
RAS	9.65 – Elite
Player Traits
Elite physical traits
Legitimate ball skills
Physical
Explosive with long arms

Overview of Pick

Robert Rochell was someone who I featured in this same series as an honorable mention player. The Rams selected him in the fourth-round and it’s clear to see why. He matched their profile with his elite physical attributes, long arms, and physicality.

David Long, CB, Michigan – 3rd Round

Athletic Measurements
Category	Measurement	Percentile
Height	5’10”	32nd percentile
Weight	196 lbs	64th percentile
Arm Length	30.875 inches	30th percentile
Shuttle	3.97 seconds	90th percentile
Broad Jump	120 inches	36th percentile
Vertical Jump	39.5 inches	87th percentile
3-Cone	6.45 seconds	98th percentile
40-Yard Dash	4.45 seconds	64th percentile
Athletic Trait Grades
Grades	Rating
Size Grade	Good
Speed Grade	Good
Explosion Grade	Good
RAS	9.19 – Elite
Player Traits
Physical
Fast
Competitor
Plays bigger than his size

Overview of Pick

David Long was drafted in the third-round of the 2018 NFL Draft. He didn’t make much of an impact with the Rams. Long didn’t re-sign following his rookie contract.

Janoris Jenkins, CB, Florida – 2nd Round

Athletic Measurements
Category	Measurement	Percentile
Height	5’10”	22nd percentile
Weight	193 lbs	52nd percentile
Arm Length	32 inches	72nd percentile
Shuttle	4.13 seconds	61st percentile
Broad Jump	10.01 feet	44th percentile
Vertical Jump	33.5 inches	13th percentile
3-Cone	6.95 seconds	43rd percentile
40-Yard Dash	4.46 seconds	64th percentile
Athletic Trait Grades
Grades	Rating
Size Grade	Okay
Speed Grade	Great
Explosion Grade	Okay
RAS	7.23 – Good
Player Traits
Plays bigger than his size
Good tackler
Fast

Overview of Pick

There’s a reason Janoris Jenkins lasted as long as he did in the NFL and it’s because he’s a very talented player. Coming out of college, there weren’t questions about his talent as much as his character. Thus far into his NFL career, many would say the same. Jenkins was a good pick for the Rams and it’s worth wondering if the team should have brought him back on a second contract instead of Trumaine Johnson.

Trumaine Johnson, CB, Montana – 2nd Round

Athletic Measurements
Category	Measurement	Percentile
Height	6’1″	93rd percentile
Weight	204 lbs	88th percentile
Arm Length	33.25 inches	95th percentile
Shuttle	4.15 seconds	56th percentile
Broad Jump	122 inches	51st percentile
Vertical Jump	35.5 inches	36th percentile
3-Cone	7.2 seconds	7th percentile
40-Yard Dash	4.61 seconds	14th percentile
Athletic Trait Grades
Grades	Rating
Size Grade	Elite
Speed Grade	Poor
Explosion Grade	Good
RAS	5.81 – Good
Player Traits
Good size
Good ball skills
Physical

Overview of Pick

Trumaine Johnson had the size, but never proved to be a true top cornerback in the NFL. He proved that when he signed his large contract with the New York Jets. Johnson was able to make up for his lack of speed and consistency with his size and length.

Notable Past Rams Undrafted Players/Free Agents

Ahkello Witherspoon, CB, Colorado – 2024 FA

Athletic Measurements
Category	Measurement	Percentile
Height	6’3″	97th percentile
Weight	198 lbs	73rd percentile
Arm Length	33 inches	93rd percentile
Shuttle	4.13 seconds	62nd percentile
Broad Jump	127 inches	78th percentile
Vertical Jump	40.5 inches	91st percentile
3-Cone	6.93 seconds	53rd percentile
40-Yard Dash	4.45 seconds	64th percentile
Athletic Trait Grades
Grades	Rating
Size Grade	Elite
Speed Grade	Great
Explosion Grade	Elite
RAS	9.88 – Elite
Player Traits
Good Ball Skills/Instincts
Exceptional Size/Speed

Darious Williams, CB, UAB – 2018 UDFA, 2024 FA

Athletic Measurements
Category	Measurement	Percentile
Height	5’9″	N/A
Weight	184 lbs	N/A
Arm Length	30.75 inches	N/A
Shuttle	4.34 seconds	N/A
Broad Jump	10.02 feet	N/A
Vertical Jump	39 inches	N/A
3-Cone	6.85 seconds	N/A
40-Yard Dash	4.44 seconds	N/A
Athletic Trait Grades
Grades	Rating
Size Grade	Poor
Speed Grade	Great
Explosion Grade	Good
RAS	7.26 – Good
Player Traits
Plays bigger than his size
Good ball skills
Fast

Troy Hill, CB, Oregon – 2015 UDFA

Athletic Measurements
Category	Measurement	Percentile
Height	5’10”	22nd percentile
Weight	182 lbs	11th percentile
Arm Length	29.5 inches	3rd percentile
Shuttle	4.15 seconds	40th percentile
Broad Jump	10.02 feet	36th percentile
Vertical Jump	34 inches	10th percentile
3-Cone	6.65 seconds	74th percentile
40-Yard Dash	4.54 seconds	28th percentile
Athletic Trait Grades
Grades	Rating
Size Grade	Poor
Speed Grade	Okay
Explosion Grade	Poor
RAS	2.91 – Poor
Player Traits
Competitor
Physical tackler
Good ball skills

Common Traits The Rams Look For in Cornerbacks

Draft Capital

Unlike some positions, the Rams have shown that they value the cornerback spot and don’t mind taking one in the second or third round. In fact, three of the notable cornerbacks on this list were taken in the third round or sooner.

Ball Skills Are a Premium

The Rams tend to like cornerbacks with good ball skills. Darious Williams intercepted five passes and broke up 19 during his senior year at UAB. Troy Hill was third in the country in passes broken up when the Rams signed him. Rochell and Durant each had 12 career takeaways.

It’s clear that Snead prioritizes cornerbacks with instincts, anticipation, and the ability to make plays on the ball. The Rams will prioritize this even if other physical traits are lacking.

Undersized but Competitive Cornerbacks

While there are some exceptions with Jalen Ramsey and Ahkello Witherspoon who were both signed as free agents, Rams cornerbacks tend to be undersized. Most are under 5’11 and it’s rare for a Rams cornerback to be over six feet tall.

The Rams like physical cornerbacks who play with an edge. A player having competitiveness and playing bigger than their size is an important intangible. They seem to be willing to take risks if the player is tough, competes, and tackles.

There used to be a narrative that the Rams liked big, lengthy cornerbacks. While that’s not necessarily false, they simply like cornerbacks who play big. It’s less about size and overall athleticism and more about specific traits and showing effort when it comes to physicality.

Speed and Short-Area Quickness Matter

This is a team that values speed on the outside Outside of Trumaine Johnson and Derion Kendrick, all the cornerbacks on this list ran a sub-4.6 40-time and four of them ran sub-4.5. Johnson and Kendrick are the only cornerbacks who tested poorly in speed drills.

In 2021, Rochell had an elite speed grade and his 40 was one of the fastest in the class among cornerbacks. Cobie Durant also had the 10th-fastest 40-time at the Combine among cornerbacks. Many also have elite 10-yard splits which could mean that long-speed isn’t mandatory, but rather short area quickness and reactive movement. This ties into the first point of liking players who can break on the ball. Most Rams cornerbacks had under a 1.52 second 10-yard split.

2025 Players Who Fit The Rams

1. Maxwell Hairston, Kentucky

If the Rams go cornerback early, it would not be a surprise if that player is Maxwell Hairston from Kentucky. Hairston is described as competitive and had 16 passes defended to go with six interceptions over the last two years. As described by The 33rd Team’s Kyle Crabbs, Hairston has a “hyper-combative demeanor that allows him to punch above his weight class and make plays in the run game.”

This is a player with a confidence aura around him and as described in The Beast, “his favorite player is Jalen Ramsey and they share similar confidence.” Hairston ran a 4.28 40-yard dash and also hit 20 miles per hour at the Senior Bowl to go with his 1.53 second 10-yard split.

Courtesy Kent Lee Platte (@mathbomb) | RAS Football

Draft Projection: 2nd Round

2. Jacob Parrish, Kansas State

It’s possible that the Rams would wait until the third or fourth round to address the cornerback spot after re-signing Ahkello Witherspoon and keeping Darious Williams. Jacob Parrish is a perfect option in that area of the draft and is a great fit. He’s alignment versatile which the Rams will appreciate and while he’s just 5’10, he punches above that. Parrish had 21 pass breakups and five interceptions over the last two years. The Kansas State cornerback is also willing to tackle in the open field. His test speed was faster than his game speed at the Senior Bowl, but by no means is he slow.

Courtesy Kent Lee Platte (@mathbomb) | RAS Football

Draft Projection: 3rd Round

3. Quincy Riley, Louisville

Just looking at Quincy Riley’s RAS card, it’s hard to see where exactly he fits the Rams outside of his size threshold. However, this is a case where I’ll be relying on game-tracked speed and traits. Riley was the sixth-fastest defensive back at the Senior Bowl and faster than both Maxwell Hairston and Jacob Parrish. Riley was also faster than players like Trey Amos in the defensive back gauntlet at the Combine. The Louisville cornerback has the ball skills and his track speed shows on tape.

Courtesy Kent Lee Platte (@mathbomb) | RAS Football

Draft Projection: 3rd-4th Round

4. Robert Longerbeam, Rutgers

The 10-yard split may not be there for Longerbeam, but his 6.76 second 3-cone is a testament to short-area quickness and he tracked well at the Shrine Bowl, hitting 20 miles per hour. He also had the best max deceleration time among defensive backs, indicating the ability to quickly change direction. Longerbeam had double-digit passes defended in the last two seasons and as described in The Beast, he’s “tougher than his size would suggest.” He’s extremely competitive with good instincts. This is the type of cornerback that the Rams haven’t been afraid to take a chance on in the past.

Courtesy Kent Lee Platte (@mathbomb) | RAS Football

Draft Projection: 5th-6th

5. Mac McWilliams, UCF

If the Rams take a cornerback in the draft, do not be surprised if that player is Mac McWilliams. McWilliams is the ideal Rams fit at cornerback. He’s alignment versatile with the ability to play inside or outside. His timed speed matches the Rams’ threshold and he has no issues stepping up to help in the run game despite his smaller size.

Courtesy Kent Lee Platte (@mathbomb) | RAS Football

Draft Projection: 6th-7th

Honorable Mentions

Trey Amos

• Good Ball Skills
• Elite Speed, but timed speed is better than game speed
• Physical

Draft Projection: 1st-2nd

Cobee Bryant, Kansas

• Alpha Energy/Dog Mentality
• Good ball skills and plenty of instinctive reps
• Elite Competitor
• Only modest speed

Draft Projection: 3rd

Justin Walley, Minnesota

• Competitive
• Very good ball skills
• High motor in run support
• Necessary speed

Draft Projection: 4th