Rams S Taylor Rapp Visits Patriots
The exodus from the Los Angeles Rams defensive backfield may be gaining another member.
With former star cornerback Jalen Ramsey having been traded to the Miami Dolphins, Rams free agent safety Taylor Rapp is scheduled to meet with the New England Patriots on a free agent visit on Thursday, according to multiple reports,
New England’s interest in Rapp’s services appears to be strong.
Rapp was the Rams’ second-round draft choice (61 overall) in 2019. Since then, the 26-year-old has filled various roles within L.A.’s secondary.
Despite being used primarily as a box safety in the early stages of his Rams’ tenure, Rapp has aligned as a free safety on over 500 snaps in each of his last two seasons.
Rapp finished 2022 having compiled 92 total tackles, six passes defended, two interceptions, and one fumble recovery. The hard-hitting defensive back has started 48 of the 57 games he has played for the Rams.
Throughout his four years in Los Angeles, Rapp has been one of the most consistent tacklers at the position in the NFL.
His 148 tackles over the past two seasons rank ninth among safeties, never having missed more than 8.7 percent of potential tackles in a season, according to Pro Football Focus.
Rapp has also showcased a sustained ability to take the football away, logging six interceptions over the last two years.
He also earned a championship ring with the Rams via their victory over the Cincinnati Bengals in Super Bowl LVI.
Following the retirement of longtime team captain Devin McCourty, New England finds itself in need of help at safety.
In spite of the occasional sputter, the Pats' safeties were one of their strongest positional groups in 2022. Adding Rapp to the mix, potentially as McCourty’s replacement at free safety, would help New England carry its momentum into 2023.
Conversely, Los Angeles will possibly be left with yet another void to fill via free agency’s second wave, or the upcoming 2023 NFL Draft.
Follow Mike D’Abate on Twitter @mdabateNFL
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