The cornerback position appears to be a position of need for the Los Angeles Rams entering the 2022 NFL draft. Jalen Ramsey is certainly a franchise cornerstone player at the position, but the loss of Darious Williams in free agency puts the Rams in a position to find a new No. 2 cornerback.
Robert Rochell and David Long Jr. will certainly get opportunities to earn expanded roles in 2022, however, Los Angeles isn’t exactly deep at cornerback right now. Stephon Gilmore signed with the Indianapolis Colts in free agency and the cornerback market has thinned out, making it even more likely that the Rams target someone in the draft.
In the final days before the draft begins, I’ll be highlighting a few more cornerbacks that could interest the Rams, beginning with Kalon Barnes out of Baylor.
Cam Taylor-Britt Draft Prospect Profile
Joshua Williams Draft Prospect Profile
Zyon McCollum Draft Prospect Profile
Background
Barnes was a two-sport athlete in high school and college, with football and track and field being the two sports he participated in. When watching Barnes, it’s apparent that he ran track due to his uncanny speed, which translated to the football field.
After arriving at Baylor as a wide receiver prospect, Barnes made the transition to cornerback ahead of his sophomore season in 2019. In his final three collegiate seasons, Barnes tallied a total of 59 tackles, 13 pass breakups, and three interceptions.
Due to his athletic background, it wasn’t surprising to see Barnes produce a 4.23 40-yard dash at the NFL scouting combine, which is the second-fastest time in combine history. John Ross owns the fastest 40-yard dash at 4.22 seconds.
How he fits the Rams
Given the versatility of the cornerbacks on their current roster, the Rams could be looking to add someone that could excel on the outside. Barnes figures to spend most of his time in the NFL on the outside, though he could be moved…