The Los Angeles Rams have a one-man pass rush in perennial Defensive Player of the Year candidate Aaron Donald. In order to adequately complement the most dominant (active) defensive force in the NFL, the Rams must provide support in the secondary.
That brings the focus to cornerback, where the Rams would benefit from transforming the solid corps into one with genuinely elite potential.
The term shutdown corner is one that can be thrown around loosely, but it’s beginning to surface with consistency when describing Mike Hughes. He was a key contributor to UCF’s undefeated season with his uncanny ability to take a No. 1 wide receiver out of games.
Hughes held projected first-round draft pick Courtland Sutton to 46 receiving yards, and Day 2 prospect Anthony Miller had three total catches in his first meeting with UCF.
For the Rams, adding a player who’s willing to get physical in the secondary and take on the challenge of containing No. 1 receivers should be a priority. Hughes is rising meteorically, but if he’s still available at No. 23, he should be the pick.
The Rams have the tools to contend for years to come, but addressing flaws like this will be the key to achieving sustainability.