The Los Angeles Rams concluded the 2023 NFL draft with a whopping 14 selections and it was followed by the team signing 26 undrafted free agents thus far. With the draft now in the rearview mirror, DraftWire’s Jeff Risdon mentioned Memphis safety Quindell Johnson as an undrafted rookie to watch for the Rams.
Here is what Risdon had to say about the Memphis product:
Johnson can play any safety role, but he projects best in a “hang” role that allows him to uses his ball skills and avoids his lack of long speed. A smart, quick-eyed safety who doesn’t miss tackles and can play on special teams. The Rams could use two of him…
In his four seasons at Memphis, Johnson accumulated 320 tackles (including a 104-tackle campaign in 2021), 24 pass breakups, 10 interceptions, four forced fumbles, and three fumble recoveries. Johnson isn’t the fastest safety as he ran a 4.53 40-yard dash and produced a 1.58 10-yard split.
That being said, Johnson’s instincts to make plays on the ball make him an intriguing undrafted rookie. He can also provide contributions on special teams, which is always valuable for a player that isn’t expected to be starting.
The Rams lost Nick Scott and Taylor Rapp this offseason at the safety position, and a decent portion of their roster is now first-year players. Being that the Rams will give opportunities to all of the rookies to carve out roles in 2023, Johnson is an undrafted free agent who could certainly earn a roster spot.
