NFL draft: Champion Rams think depth with cornerback, running back picks
The Rams opened Day 3 of the NFL draft in Las Vegas by adding depth to their defensive backfield and running back groups:
DECOBIE DURANT, cornerback
5 feet 10, 180 pounds, South Carolina State, Round 4, Pick 142
Notable: This is the second year in a row the Rams selected a cornerback from an FCS school. Last season, they chose Robert Rochell of Central Arkansas.
Last season: Durant intercepted three passes and broke up 12 passes. He and was voted first-team FCS All-American and the MEAC defensive player of the year.
Why the Rams drafted him: The Rams needed depth in the secondary in the wake of Darious Williams’ departure as a free agent to the Jacksonville Jaguars. He joins a position group that includes cornerback Jalen Ramsey, David Long and Rochell.
Notre Dame running back Kyren Williams adds depth for the Rams since veteran Sony Michel has not been re-signed.
(Michael Conroy / Associated Press)
KYREN WILLIAMS, running back
5 feet 9, 194 pounds, Notre Dame, Round 5, Pick 164
Notable: The Rams traded two picks to the Las Vegas Raiders to move up and select Williams, who grew up in St. Louis as a Rams fan. He said he dressed up as former Rams running back Steven Jackson for Halloween.
Last season: Williams rushed for 1,002 yards and 14 touchdowns, and caught 42 passes for 359 yards and three touchdowns.
Why the Rams drafted him: The Rams did not re-sign Sony Michel, so Williams gives the Rams depth behind Cam Akers and Darrell Henderson, who is entering the final year of his contract.
