We are aware that the LA Rams’ secondary has not yet shown promise in 2024. But with Darious Williams, the team’s starting corner back, back, the trend might be reversed. However, there is a single issue. Even with his exceptional pass coverage skills, Williams is somewhat exposed to the NFL’s largest and most physically powerful receivers. And rookie tight end Brock Bowers of the Las Vegas Raiders is one of those large, powerful receivers. Still, the Rams desired to acquire this tight end by trading up.
Given that WR Devante Adams was moved by the Raiders to the New York Jets and that WR Jakobi Myers may not play this season, Bowers will probably be targeted more than ten times by the Raiders offense. So, with whom will he be neutralized? Ahkello Witherspoon, a seasoned defensive back who was promoted from the practice squad for Week 7, is the player I’m betting on.
Against the Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers in Weeks 4 and 5, respectively, Witherspoon played in a few plays. 48 defensive plays against the Packers and nine defensive plays against the Bears were played by him. He has made four tackles so far this season while allowing three of the five passes to his receiver to find the mark.
His enormous increase in opportunities came at the same time that the team decided to bench wide receiver Tre’Davious White for Week 5. I predict a similar strategy for Week 7, with White sitting this one out and Witherspoon receiving a lot of playing time while defending Bowers.
Witherspoon, who is 6-foot-2 and weights 195 pounds, is ideally suited to cover physically larger receivers. He was particularly good at pass coverage in 2023, although fading as the season went on. Only 48.1% of the passes intended for his recipient were successful. I’m not clear why, therefore, the team found it difficult to decide whether to re-sign Witherspoon for 2024.
Witherspoon has been promoted for game day despite his hesitation, and I anticipate that he will get a full day’s workout today against Bowers. I would also expect him to be added to the team’s active roster before to Week 8 when he has used up his three free elevations from the practice squad.
Final Thoughts: Ahkello Witherspoon will probably be a key member of the Rams secondary in Week 7. I worry that rookie tight end Brock Bowers will record career-high yardage against this Rams secondary, but I am certain of one thing. Witherspoon is the one who can shut Bowers down, if anyone.