Rams’ Jalen Ramsey Gone; Cobie Durant as New Lockdown CB?

Last season, the Los Angeles Rams struggled in pass defense, and that was with Pro Bowl cornerback Jalen Ramsey still on the roster.

Ramsey was traded to the Dolphins in March, removing one of the best man-coverage cornerbacks in the NFL from the Rams' secondary. So a big question in Inglewood: Who needs to step up in Ramsey's absence?

"They need to have Cobie Durant step up," NFL Network and "Good Morning Football" host Sara Walsh said. "Cobie Durant in a rookie season last year came up big … Last four games, he had two interceptions. He ran one back for a touchdown. He led the league in return yards after interceptions.

“They need this guy to be the star they think he can be to take Jalen Ramsey's place."

Last season, the Rams' pass defense allowed 6.5 net yards per pass attempt, which was the seventh-worst mark in the NFL.

There can be optimism with the unit ranked seventh in the league with 16 interceptions, but Ramsey accounted for one-fourth of those picks. Durant was second on the team with three, but defended just five passes compared to Ramsey's 18.

Durant made significant strides down the stretch, including a two-interception performance against the Broncos in Week 16, and he'll need to roll over that high-level play into 2023 amidst a young, inexperienced Rams secondary.

You can follow Casey Smith on Twitter @casey_smith2419

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