The most underrated player on the Los Angeles Rams could be Quentin Lake, the versatile defensive back who is deserving of far more All-Pro consideration than he gets. Not only has Lake intercepted three passes and broken up a total of 11 throws, but he has also moved around the field to play three different positions like nobody else on the entire roster.
After playing the majority of his snaps in the slot in 2025, Lake is now playing 44.5% of his snaps as a deep safety, 29.3% as a linebacker, and
18.7% as a slot. Despite defensive coordinator Chris Shula asking Lake to go from someone spending two-thirds of his time in the slot to 30% as a linebacker and 45% as a safety, the fifth-year vet is having an even better season in 2026 than he had in 2025.
Shouldn’t Quentin Lake be getting as much recognition for his work as a versatile chess piece Nick Emmanwori, Kyle Hamilton, and Derwin James are getting in the league?
Lake’s 2026
After Lake had 61 tackles, one interception, 10 passes defensed, and one sack over 10 games in 2025, he’s on an even bigger pace this season: 56 tackles, three interceptions, 11 passes defensed, and a forced fumble.
Over his last 18 regular season games, that adds up to:
- 117 tackles
- 4 interceptions
- 21 passes defensed
Lake is tied for second in the NFL in interceptions this season, and second in passes defensed. He’s the only player to be top-two in both categories.
The most passes defensed for a safety in 2025 was 13 by Tykee Smith. Lake already has 11.
According to Pro-Football-Reference, Lake has allowed 6.1 yards per target and 58.7% completions on throws to him as the closest defender.
Perhaps his only negatives is that Lake has been blamed for five missed tackles and two touchdowns (and he was blamed for being the closest defender on three touchdowns in the playoffs last season—but he also had three passes defensed), but Shula would be lost without him.
We could also call Lake the best veteran bargain on the team because the three-year, $38 million extension he signed on January 1 looks like a steal.
Lake has an $8 million cap hit this season and is signed through 2028.
Stout against the run and the pass, Quentin Lake is the most valuable piece on L.A.’s defense—especially while Myles Garrett is out and Trent McDuffie has been banged up. The twitter account “InsidetheSecondary” notes that “Lake’s pre snap movement creates uncertainty for (Justin) Herbert” because the Chargers’ quarterback could not predict where Lake would end up after the snap.
Because Lake does it all.
- In 140 snaps as a linebacker, Lake has 9 “stops” (tackle for a negative play)
- In 14 snaps as a defensive tackle, Lake has 3 PRESSURES (that’s more than some of LA’s DTs)
- In 89 snaps out of the slot, Lake has two interceptions
- In 219 snaps as a safety, Lake has 20 tackles, proving an ability and willingness to cover the field
Lake has also lined up as an EDGE, cornerback, and strong safety.
Whereas Emmanwori and Hamilton are praised as two of the top young defensive players in football at any position, Lake gets practically none of the attention despite having arguably the best season and the exact same versatility.
What would it take for Lake to get the same attention?
Well, it’s probably a little too late for that on the same scale. Lake was a sixth-round pick, not highly-touted draft prospects like James, Emmanwori, and Hamilton. That always sets a player back, even if it’s a ridiculous reason.
But at his current pace, if Lake finishes with 20 passes defensed (that’s more than any player had in 2025) and 5+ interceptions, he should be undeniable.
Lake is on the right track. Now he just needs to stay on it.
