Taylor Rapp’s versatility and instincts shine through in Rams’ preseason opener

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CGI_Ram

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https://www.latimes.com/sports/rams...-rapp-versatility-rams-raiders-sean-mcvay-nfl

Taylor Rapp’s versatility and instincts shine through in Rams’ preseason opener

The versatility that made Taylor Rapp a second-round draft pick for the Rams was on full display in his first preseason game.

The rookie safety lined up deep in coverage, disguised behind linebackers and also played along the line of scrimmage against the Oakland Raiders.

“You’re seeing a guy play with urgency,” Rams coach Sean McVay said of Rapp on Sunday after reviewing Saturday’s 14-3 loss to the Raiders. “His instincts are showing up, he’s playing faster, more decisive. And when he does that… you feel him.”

Rapp is expected become more of a force as the Rams prepare for the Sept. 8 opener against the Carolina Panthers.

Eric Weddle and John Johnson are the starting safeties, but they sat out against the Raiders and will not play Saturday against the Dallas Cowboys in Hawaii or in preseason games against the Denver Broncos and Houston Texans.

That will provide the 6-foot, 205-pound Rapp more opportunities to learn defensive coordinator Wade Phillips’ scheme.

On Saturday, Rapp made two tackles, tipped a pass that was intercepted by cornerback Kevin Peterson and broke up a third-down pass.

All from different points on the field, just as he did as a standout at the University of Washington.

“It’s very cool to see them using me,” in multiple alignments, Rapp said after the game. “There’s a lot of versatility and stuff like that like I did in college.”

Running back Darrell Henderson, a third-round pick, came on in relief of John Kelly and rushed for 13 yards in six carries. His longest gain was for seven yards.

Henderson also caught a pass that resulted in a five-yard loss.

“There was some good and there were some things we have to improve on,” McVay said. “He’s a really conscientious player and doesn’t really get fazed by things.”

Etc.
Running back Justin Davis did not play against the Raiders because he suffered a concussion in a joint practice earlier in the week, McVay said. Linebacker Ogbonnia Okoronkwo is dealing with a hamstring issue…. McVay said cornerback Darious Williams continues to impress…. Pass game coordinator Shane Waldron will continue to call plays during the preseason, McVay said, adding that it was a collaborative effort…. It has not yet been determined which veteran players will stay home for Saturday’s preseason game against the Cowboys in Hawaii, McVay said. The Rams leave on Thursday and return Saturday night. Starters will not play in.
 

A.J. Hicks

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I'm all for Mcvay letting his coaches get some coaching experience like letting Waldron call plays in the preseason.

As long as he keeps Kromer, Fassel, Wade (as long as he wants to keep coaching), and Aubrey Pleasant close confidants, keeping them with the Rams.
 

ramfan46

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Rapp looked real good. He already looks better than Christian who played a ton of snaps last year. Seeing how active he was in coverage was very encouraging. He caused that first INT to Peterson, he was in perfect position to make that an almost impossible throw. The PBU was a thing of beauty as well. I've seen enough of him to stash him until week 1 IMO.

Williams, Peterson, Parker and Richards looked good. The battle for the last DB spot is intense. Hatfield looks like he's in trouble. Doesn't have the play making ability or size compared to the others. Peterson just keeps snagging INTs. He seems to locate the ball early on. That's hard to teach IMO. As long as his knee is good, I'd keep him on the 53.
 

Ram65

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Rapp looked real good. He already looks better than Christian who played a ton of snaps last year. Seeing how active he was in coverage was very encouraging. He caused that first INT to Peterson, he was in perfect position to make that an almost impossible throw. The PBU was a thing of beauty as well. I've seen enough of him to stash him until week 1 IMO.

I was thinking Rapp could use more reps as he is playing in different spots. It will be interesting to see what Wade and the Rams do. He also helps the second and third stringers get off the field for the offense to get chances.
 

RamsFanCK

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Rapp is an excellent talent. He’s gonna be a big part of this team going forward. Learning from Weddle is key, he should develop nicely. Here’s to seeing a few splash plays from him this season
 

Memento

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I'm calling it right now: Rapp will be one of the biggest steals of his draft class. He's just so incredibly versatile and instinctive that he'll succeed wherever he's placed.

Also very, very high on Kevin Peterson. There's a reason why I thought he'd make the roster over Hill and Hatfield. That Whiners game (his two picks and excellent coverage against the starting lineup of the Whiners) is not a fluke, in my honest opinion. I think he could make a Littleton-like impact if he gets playing time. I think he's that good.
 

PressureD41

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I'm all for Mcvay letting his coaches get some coaching experience like letting Waldron call plays in the preseason.

As long as he keeps Kromer, Fassel, Wade (as long as he wants to keep coaching), and Aubrey Pleasant close confidants, keeping them with the Rams.

agreed Aubrey Pleasant is the coach on the D to keep long term