Rams Safety Russ Yeast Poised For Increased Role In Year 2?

Heading into the 2023 season, the Los Angeles Rams are taking a youthful approach in the secondary.

With cornerback Jalen Ramsey and safeties Nick Scott and Taylor Rapp all departing this offseason, the Rams are relying on young players to step up in the defensive backfield. That's especially true at safety now that both of last year's starters are no longer with the team. Jordan Fuller, who had previously played a prominent role but missed most of last season with injury, seems to have one of the starting spots locked down, but the other one is still a question.

However, some recent comments by head coach Sean McVay could reveal who has the inside track. In an interview on the Rams' YouTube channel, McVay gave special attention to three defensive backs entering their second season. He pointed out Cobie Durant and Derion Kendrick, two likely starters at cornerback, but also safety Russ Yeast.

“I think guys that have really stood out, when you start on the back end: Decobie Durant, Derion Kendrick, Russ Yeast,” McVay said. “Those are three guys that are gonna have – we’re counting on them to be big parts of what we’re doing. And gosh, they’ve taken great steps in the right direction. Aubrey Pleasant does such a great job with that group... Love what they’ve done.”

While not an outright confirmation Yeast will start, McVay calling him a "big part of what we're doing" says a lot about where he is.

A seventh-round pick out of Kansas State, Yeast suited up for 15 games and even started the final game of the season against the Seattle Seahawks. He mostly played on special teams, finishing his rookie season with just 20 total tackles. However, half of those tackles came in the final three games of the season.

The Rams would be placing a lot of faith in Yeast by making him the starter, but with a strong late-season run and offseason, he may be up to the task.

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