Don’t Sleep On David Long Jr., Or Else

Don't Sleep On David Long Jr., Or Else - LAFB Network

Don't sleep on David Long Jr. because he is next in line of Los Angeles Rams cornerbacks. He isn't Troy Hill but that may not be a bad thing.

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Don’t Sleep On David Long Jr., Or Else​

Jalen Ramsey and Darious Williams are firmly entrenched as the Los Angeles Rams starting cornerbacks. In fact, the duo makes up arguably the best duo in the NFL. But who is going to replace Troy Hill at nickelback? All I can say is don’t sleep on David Long Jr.

Ann Arbor To Los Angeles

Long Jr. was drafted in the third round with the 79th overall pick in 2019. He was praised for his press-man ability and his ability to offer inside/outside versatility. Listed at 5’11” and 196 lbs., he definitely has the requisite size to play in either role. With just 158 total snaps in coverage going into his third season it’s easy to see why he has been forgotten.

Replacing Troy Hill

The Rams seem to be impressed with Long Jr. this offseason even if he isn’t Troy Hill. Long Jr. was never going to be a day one starter. The Rams employ a lot of zone coverage schemes in their defense. Long Jr. played almost zero zone coverage during his time as a Michigan Wolverine. He was a press-man corner who was consistently in the hip pockets of receivers. Not to mention, corner is one of the hardest positions to transition to in all of sports. However, Sean McVay’s comments this offseason seem to point towards Long Jr. finally getting his shot to make some plays.

Not An Easy Transition

In two years as a starter at Michigan, Long Jr. only gave up 18 total catches on 60 total targets for a measly 30% completion percentage. He only gave up 130 total yards. Quarterbacks didn’t even want to throw his way as his allowed passer rating was just 24.3. The talent is there and the Rams have shown a propensity for developing talent in the secondary. Long Jr. was almost exclusively an outside, press-man corner in college and the Rams have transitioned him into a primarily slot corner in a heavy zone scheme.

Long Jr. should be the heavy favorite to win the third cornerback spot, in my opinion. He has a very good skill set and has been able to develop the last two years and is part of an extremely talented secondary overall. Don’t sleep on David Long Jr. If you are, you better wake up before he re-routes you.

 

[OregonRamsFan]

So far I’m not too high on Long. But perhaps this is his year. We can only hope he progresses.

 

[CoachAllred]

But who is going to replace Troy Hill at nickelback?

Terrell Burgess, Not Long, will be the starter at nickel. Per Demoff

 

[CoachAllred]

Yeah I have no idea what the plan is with Rapp.

As of now he is one of starting safety's

 

[Merlin]

As of now he is one of starting safety's

I am not sure that is the case. In fact I think that other safety spot is open for competition between him and Burgess.

 

[FaulkSF]

I am not sure that is the case. In fact I think that other safety spot is open for competition between him and Burgess.

I thought Fuller and Rapp had the safety spots locked down. Did I miss something?

 

[CoachAllred]

I am not sure that is the case. In fact I think that other safety spot is open for competition between him and Burgess.

Rams COO Kevin Demoff nodded toward Burgess as the expected replacement for Hill in that regard.

After tough rookie season, Rams DB Terrell Burgess hopes to shine

‘I want to be known for being a light’: After tough rookie season, Rams DB Terrell Burgess hopes to shine By Jourdan Rodrigue Jun 24, 2021 Ingrid Burgess, mother of Rams safety Terrell Burgess, watched her son crumple to the ground after a freak hit across his lower body in late October...

ramsondemand.com

 

[XXXIVwin]

Really hope the light turns on for Long this year. Only 17 tackles and 2 defended passes in his entire career so far... Rams haven't let him play much yet.

Rams lost a lot of talent on D in Brock, Hill, Ebu, JJ, and Fox. Depth will be tested this year

 

[Merlin]

After tough rookie season, Rams DB Terrell Burgess hopes to shine

‘I want to be known for being a light’: After tough rookie season, Rams DB Terrell Burgess hopes to shine By Jourdan Rodrigue Jun 24, 2021 Ingrid Burgess, mother of Rams safety Terrell Burgess, watched her son crumple to the ground after a freak hit across his lower body in late October...

ramsondemand.com

The only one I think is locked up is Fuller's spot. As to the other one I don't care what Demoff says gonna wait and see. This is based on Rapp's play in previous years as well as the fact that Burgess played a ton of 2 high in college.

I like Rapp btw. But when the defense changed he immediately had a lot to learn.

 

[So Ram]

Really hope the light turns on for Long this year. Only 17 tackles and 2 defended passes in his entire career so far... Rams haven't let him play much yet.

Rams lost a lot of talent on D in Brock, Hill, Ebu, JJ, and Fox. Depth will be tested this year

it’s always next man up.Yes The Rams lost Hill & JJ. Tyler Rapp & David Long have proved they have talent.If you look at how Williams played last season then you have to know there was not a real opening for Long.
Fuller stepped up as a 5th rd pick. I’m sure we all saw that one coming starting even over Terrell Burgees.Nick Scott came in a played well so The depth is there.Yes - David Long has not played a lot,but is going into his 3rd year.His rookie season he was battling it out with Talib,Williams,Hill,RAMsey ect… another words he has been with a good group of DB’s.Even including Eric Weddle.

The BRown Bro’s are Big Boys & will develop game by game.Yes Brock & Fox will be missed,but not for Long(get it). From watching those 2 with Coach H” they have natural talent that can be molded well.From just one practice I saw Ernest hold the edge well.He will keep things tight & AD’s tackle numbers might go up.Bobby Brown is only 20 ?? To think mature at 6”5 320#,plus smooth & fast.Weight room will do him good.

—Ebu with the 9ers ?? Ugh —the fact Hollins got more playing time last season was sad.Staley & Coach Barry will be missed.I like Shula,but Joe Barry is GB’s DC for a reason.Staley the same only as The Rams DC(NFL)for 1 season to become a HC.

 

[So Ram]

The only one I think is locked up is Fuller's spot. As to the other one I don't care what Demoff says gonna wait and see. This is based on Rapp's play in previous years as well as the fact that Burgess played a ton of 2 high in college.

I like Rapp btw. But when the defense changed he immediately had a lot to learn.

i think it was more that JJ was healthy again. Then RAMsey was playing inside.Then add a short camp & injuries. There is a reason The Rams paid Floyd $64, & what did JJ get ??? Exactly!!! You can throw Troy Hills contract to see how high of a number you can get.Brockers would be over the Top,but Fox would put you about even. The fact The Rams traded Brockers & found The Brown Bro’s while lossing Hill & JJ to the Browns makes the upside for both defenses about even.
I like The Rams Youth.Tyler Rapp is an intense & aggressive player. I think Jalen RAMsey trust him & they are going into there 3rd season together as Rams Safeties (DB’s) RAMsey is a CB,but likes to take risk.

 

[Corbin]

i think it was more that JJ was healthy again. Then RAMsey was playing inside.Then add a short camp & injuries. There is a reason The Rams paid Floyd $64, & what did JJ get ??? Exactly!!! You can throw Troy Hills contract to see how high of a number you can get.Brockers would be over the Top,but Fox would put you about even. The fact The Rams traded Brockers & found The Brown Bro’s while lossing Hill & JJ to the Browns makes the upside for both defenses about even.
I like The Rams Youth.Tyler Rapp is an intense & aggressive player. I think Jalen RAMsey trust him & they are going into there 3rd season together as Rams Safeties (DB’s) RAMsey is a CB,but likes to take risk.

 

[So Ram]

See it doesn’t take a genus to figure The Rams depth at.The real concern is & has been at LBer.I guess Urfa that gets a Comp pick was a good thing.Finding depth & a player to replace him is another.I could go on my Tremayne Mason ramble & say I hope my GF (8ers wrong)is right about Troy Reeder & Justin Fields.
-E.Jones at the end of OTA’s isn’t as coordinated & fast

 

[kurtfaulk]

I thought Fuller and Rapp had the safety spots locked down. Did I miss something?

i don't think it matters who the starters are. everyone will play depending on what the opposing offense is doing. but i would assume fuller and burgess will be on the field the most. burgess just gives the defense so much flexibility when he's out there seeing he can reputably play either safety or corner. rapp only offers run support, unless his coverage skills improved lately.

.

 

[snackdaddy]

I had high hopes for Long. His skill set seem to translate being a nice cover corner in the NFL. But so far that hasn't been the case. Maybe what they're doing with him doesn't fit his skill set? Is he like a fish out of water playing a position that doesn't suit him? If his best attribute is being a press corner I have to wonder if they drafted him for the Wade Phillips defense?

 

[Rams43]

Let’s face it. Rams have ‘fluid’ situations at CB, S, OLB, and at ILB.

Gonna be a helluva camp and preseason, trust me.