After John Johnson went to the injured reserve, the Los Angeles Rams thrust rookie safety Taylor Rapp into the starting lineup. Thus far, that's proven to be a move worth making again, at least, according to his teammate Eric Weddle.
Weddle, a 13-year veteran and six-time Pro Bowler, sees a player in Rapp far more developed than what his limited experience would lead one to believe. While he got to know the rookie, the 34-year-old veteran realized he's not like most.
“He was lightyears ahead of most rookies. It’s tough to come in this league and he’s always put his head down, he’s always trying to learn, he’s always trying to get better and work hard and work on maybe his deficiencies in pass games or practice,” Weddle recently said, via Cameron DaSilva of The Rams Wire. “Just seeing his growth, his confidence and us working well together. We sit by each other, we talk ball, we’re talking concepts, we’re just talking about what I see, what I can help him with and he’s just on the ball.”
There is proof in the pudding. Weddle says Rapp is lightyears ahead of most rookies; it's true, he's not playing like a rookie safety. The former Washington Husky has been a standout in coverage, allowing a 72.8 passer rating, according to Pro Football Reference. He's also missed just one tackle while tallying 78 combined ones.
Rapp wasn't supposed to be available where the Rams took him at No. 51 in the 2019 NFL Draft. With Weddle and Johnson on-board, they didn't need him. He was a “best player available” selection. He's certainly playing like it.
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