Sean McVay Praises Rams CB Ahkello Witherspoon: 'Loved Being Around Him!'
The Los Angeles Rams' defense is going to be a work in progress this season, especially on the back end.
After L.A.'s massive roster turnover this offseason, the Rams are severely lacking in starting experience on the defensive side of the ball. This is particularly noticeable in the secondary, where three of four projected starters are entering their first seasons as first-stringers.
To help offset the lack of experience, the Rams have signed some veteran defensive backs to add veteran depth. The most notable of said additions was safety John Johnson, who returned to the Rams after leaving in 2021. On the other hand, a more under-the-radar addition was that of cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon, formerly of the San Francisco 49ers and Pittsburgh Steelers.
Witherspoon has been with the Rams for less than two months, but he seems to be fitting in well early on. After Thursday's joint practice with the Las Vegas Raiders, coach Sean McVay sung Witherspoon's praises on and off the field.
“I've really enjoyed being around Ahkello," McVay told reporters. "Obviously, he's got a little bit of a limitation with his left thumb, but his movement, how engaged he is, how coachable he is. He's a guy that's played a lot of football in this league, but I think he's brought a great element of veteran leadership to that DB group, especially from the corner position.
"I've loved being around him and I think you could see just the overall athleticism, the movement, the length that he can play with. He's going to be a big piece for us and we're really excited to have him and I think he got an opportunity to go against some of the best looks, some of the best schematic things because I have tremendous respect for how Josh [McDaniels, Raiders coach] goes about it and then obviously some of their players are pretty unique as well.”
A 2017 third-round pick by the 49ers, Witherspoon has started 40 of the 60 games he has played in his six-year career. In that time, the Colorado product has recorded 99 solo tackles, 35 passes defended and eight interceptions. Injuries limited him to just four games with the Steelers last season, but he is back to full strength now.
Witherspoon joined the Rams on a one-year seal as somewhat of a trial run. With his veteran experience, though, he will play a much larger role in the defense than his contract would suggest.
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