The nickel cornerback or “Star” position on defense has probably gained more value over the last 20 years than any other position on that side of the ball. Thanks to the rise of slot receivers and tight ends as pass-catchers, with help from Super Bowl winners like Wes Welker and Rob Gronkowski on the Patriots, the nickel really has to be at least three positions at once.
He has to be a cornerback, a safety, and a linebacker. Sometimes, he also has to be a pass rusher. In this role, Quentin Lake must
be able to cover everyone from George Kittle to Jaxon Smith-Njigba to Christian McCaffrey, depending on the play call. That makes his job extremely important.
However, is he more important than the starting running back–the position that has LOST the most value in the last 20 years? What if that running back is Kyren Williams, a player averaging 82.3 rushing yards per game since 2023, the fourth-most in the NFL? Only Derrick Henry, Jonathan Taylor, and Saquon Barkley have more.
Fans will argue that running backs are replaceable. Sure, especially if those running backs are Darrell Henderson, Cam Akers, and Sony Michel. Remember them?
After Todd Gurley’s injuries took him out of football, Sean McVay and Les Snead spent multiple day two picks on running backs and put them into one of the best offensive situations for a running back in all of football. They all basically sucked until Williams came along in the fifth round. Others will say that Blake Corum is better than all of those previous examples, and maybe he is.
Maybe.
Through two years, Corum has never been tasked with a starting role. McVay barely gave him any time as a rookie and then it wasn’t until late last season that he was finally incorporated into the offense. Corum is more explosive than Williams, but it takes a lot more than that to replace a back almost guaranteed to hit 1,200 yards and 12 touchdowns. Over 30% of Corum’s career yards came in just three games. What if he’s just better in small doses?
That being said, who even is Lake’s backup? We don’t know. If the Rams lose Quentin Lake, where they turn to next is anyone’s guess. The player could do a surprisingly good job, just like former sixth-round pick Lake, or it could make the defense fall apart if they lose their axle.
Who is more important then? Well, you’re having a really hard time deciding!
Lake or Williams?
The Tournament of Rampions has its first real showdown: Lake has a minuscule 51-49 lead over Williams after one day of voting. If you haven’t voted yet to claim a winner, now is your chance:
I took the debate to Twitter in case we need a tiebreaker, and so far Lake is leading. Do we need to go the tiebreaker or can you vote in our Feed post to make it official?
Who is more important?
Make your case with a vote, and tell us why in the comments.
