Los Angeles Rams' Derion Kendrick Arrest: Who Replaces Starting CB?
Los Angeles Rams cornerback Derion Kendrick faces felony charges after being arrested for carrying a concealed weapon early Monday morning.
Rams coach Sean McVay was asked about Kendrick's status several times Monday but opted not to comment while awaiting further details.
McVay did, however, touch on the details of who could slide into Kendrick's spot on the defense, which is a noticeable void. Through the season's first six games, the second-year pro has played 96 percent of Los Angeles' defensive snaps.
And while McVay revealed the Rams haven't yet gone down the road of discussing Kendrick's potential relationship, he expressed optimism with the players available if needed.
“When you look at just the guys that have gone out there and played, whether it's a Tre Tomlinson, the Duke Shelley's of the world, I think those guys at the corner spot in particular have done a really nice job,” McVay said. “And then we've got some safeties that have some position flex as well.”
Los Angeles Rams cornerback Derion Kendrick in action against the San Francisco 49ers in Week 2.
USA Today Sports
Kendrick has started every game this season, recording 25 tackles, three passes defended and two tackles for loss. He's been targeted 30 times and allowed only 15 receptions for 134 yards, per Pro Football Reference.
The first name McVay mentioned was Tomlinson, a sixth-round rookie who's played only 13 total snaps on defense but has seen extended special teams action, taking 123 snaps, or 76 percent.
Tomlinson's made five total tackles this season and arrived in Los Angeles with strong pedigree, having won the Jim Thorpe Award given annually to college football's best defensive back last season while starring during TCU's run to the national championship game.
Shelley gives the Rams more professional experience, as he's played in 47 games with 11 starts since entering the league as a sixth-round pick in 2019.
Like Tomlinson, Shelley has primarily played special teams, seeing 94 snaps there as opposed to just 17 on defense. He's recorded two tackles and defended a pair of passes in his first season with the Rams.
So, while Los Angeles may not have tons of regular season snaps to base its decision off of, there remain intriguing options, with Tomlinson's unseen upside and Shelley's proven floor giving McVay and defensive coordinator Raheem Morris something to think about.
But as McVay said, this is all putting the cart before the horse as the Rams await more information on what's next for Kendrick in the legal process.
Los Angeles (3-3) returns to action Sunday, hosting the Pittsburgh Steelers (3-2) for a 1:05 p.m. PST kickoff inside SoFi Stadium.
