Los Angeles Rams CB Nickell Robey-Coleman proved to be arguably one of the best cornerbacks in the game last season. Playing in 15 games last season as a slot/nickel CB occasionally getting bumped to the outside, he made 49 tackles, two interceptions, had nine defended passes, and forced a fumble.
To say the Rams got a good return on their $855k investment last year would be an understatement which is perhaps why the Rams re-invested more than $8m guaranteed in him on a three-year, $15m deal this offseason.
Now, he’s returning to a stacked DB room, with CB Aqib Talib and CB Marcus Peters joining NRC, S Lamarcus Joyner and S John Johnson III to form the Ram-vengers, the NFL’s mightiest secondary.
Roster Battle
The Rams, and more specifically Defensive Coordinator Wade Phillips, know who they want on the final roster at CB having brought in Peters and Talib and signing NRC to that new deal. To say there’s a legitimate roster battle for anything resembling a starting position at corner would be a lie.
Expectations
Expect him to be a fixture in the nickel/dime defense formations. Matching last year’s performance is table stakes; expect improvement over last year, given Head Coach Sean McVay’s mantra of steady improvement.
Stagnation isn’t an option.
Chances of making the final roster (9.5/10)
Something drastic has to happen to lead to Robey-Coleman not making the final 53-man roster. His spot at nickel is as guaranteed as these things get in the NFL.