A potential star in the making for the Los Angeles Rams, it was announced today that Derion Kendrick potentially tore his ACL. While tests are still ongoing, if it is officially confirmed as one, it will likely end his third season. The former sixth-round pick from 2022 made the most out of a season where many didn’t think the defense would be on par with the offense. Despite losing in the playoffs, the Ram’s defensive unit on paper blew expectations for last year out of the water.
Derion Kendrick Suffers Devasting Injury in Training Camp
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For the Los Angeles Rams, this will impact their starting depth chart, as they are weaker in depth without Derion Kendrick if he is out for the season. While Tre’Davious White, their big-time signing, will be their main starter, the rest of the group is potentially below average. White is also coming back from a season-ending injury, so a lot rides on his shoulders to lead this secondary.
The 212th overall pick in the sixth round that season started six games and played most of the season in 15. Kendrick had his first career interception in 2023, recording ten pass deflections compared to just four as a rookie starter. The third-year cornerback could’ve been a pivotal piece for them in 2024 with his versatility and physicality in the run game.
Contributing Starter For the Los Angeles Rams in 2023
The 23-year-old who came into the 2022 NFL Draft had some tough shoes to fill, as the Los Angeles Rams made a blockbuster trade and sent star Jalen Ramsey to the Miami Dolphins. While they had veterans like Ahkello Witherspoon, who is still a free agent, the rookie from Georgia was thrown into the fire from day one. At 6’0″ and 190 pounds, Kendrick showcased his talent better in zone coverage than man but with high play recognition.
The young defensive back wasn’t known for his speed coming out of college, as he ran a 4.79 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine. Kendrick fell in the draft due to off-the-field circumstances and transferred from Clemson to Georgia three years after the 2020 collegiate season. In the NFL as a professional, he hasn’t been clean off the field. The Los Angeles Rams’ cornerback was arrested last October due to illegal possession of a concealed weapon just hours after playing the Arizona Cardinals.
Offseason Free Agents will have Big Shoes to Fill in 2024
This offseason, the Los Angeles Rams brought back veteran Darious Williams after his one-year stint with the Jacksonville Jaguars and White from the Buffalo Bills. The former two-time All-Pro and Pro Bowler will be their top starter at corner, with safety Quentin Lake and Cobie Durant penciled in to cover slot receivers as the nickel back. Still, if Los Angeles wants to compete, they could sign another veteran cornerback in Stephon Gilmore, a former two-time All-Pro and five-time Pro-Bowler who is still on the market as the top free agent corner.
The Rams’ defense will take a hit from the previous years, with Aaron Donald’s retirement hitting home this offseason. However, their future at certain positions is sold on defense if things go a certain way. Their defensive front is talented, with them drafting Florida State teammates Jared Verse and Braden Fiske. Breakout rookies Kobie Turner and Byron Young still man the pass rush, with Ernest Jones IV as the middle linebacker coming back from injury. The Los Angeles Rams also brought back safety John Johnson III after his short stay in Cleveland with the Browns for two years and signed Kamren Curl from the Washington Commanders at safety.
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