The Los Angeles Rams took a major hit with Jaylen Watson now going on injured reserve due to his shoulder injury. If the Rams want to look outside the facility for another starter at corner, or even just depth, there are a few options out there.
No one Los Angeles can add right now will be as good as Watson has been this year, or at least it’s severely unlikely. According to Next Gen Stats, among outside cornerbacks, Watson entered this past week with the fifth-lowest completion percentage allowed
to opposing targets, and is tied for the third-most pass breakups in the league (alongside teammate Quentin Lake). That’s not easy production to replace in general, let alone in the middle of a playoff race.
Still, a few serviceable players are available, even if they will further weaken the Rams’ already limited draft pick pool for 2027.
RIQ WOOLEN
One name that could be available is Riq Woolen, the former Seattle Seahawks corner who hasn’t quite fixed the Philadelphia Eagles’ severe CB2 woes like the latter franchise hoped he would.
Still, Woolen brings size to the table at 6-foot-4 and 210 pounds, which is actually bigger than Watson’s frame (and size is a major selling point for Watson). He hasn’t been great this season, there’s no denying that, but he does have at least a decent track record. He’s also hardly the biggest reason why the Eagles have struggled defensively this year.
Philadelphia has already traded away an offensive contributor and is in a bad spot with a losing record and their starting quarterback unavailable. They’ve turned to Joe Milton at quarterback, which tells you all you need to know. Woolen may not cost too much to acquire, and his contract isn’t completely daunting.
AMIK ROBERTSON
Another NFC East player, Amik Robertson is having a solid season for the 2-4-1 Washington Commanders. He’s a completely different body type than either Woolen or Watson, standing just 5-foot-9 and 183 pounds. This season, Robertson is allowing a 90.3 passer rating as the closest defender, which isn’t spectacular but beggars can’t be choosers if you need a player in a pinch.
It is encouraging that he had one of his best games of the year this past week in a win over the Eagles, allowing a meager 11 yards on four receptions while being targeted six times.
JUJU BRENTS
The Miami Dolphins have had some frisky moments this season, but they’re decidedly not a good football team. They need a ton of help going into next season, and adding a pick in exchange for a cornerback on an expiring rookie contract may be appealing to them.
Similarly, it could appeal to the Rams that Brents is both cheap and playing well as he gears up for his first free agent payday. According to NFL stats whiz Aaron Schatz in commentary for ESPN, Brents is third in coverage DVOA for qualified cornerbacks this year, only behind Jahdae Barron of the Denver Broncos and current Ram Trent McDuffie.
The Rams have enough needs and such little 2027 draft capital that they may decide that promoting from within is the best way to fill the cornerback void long term. But there are options out there if they feel the need to find outside assistance.
