While the LA Rams offensive line is suffering a minor epidemic of minor injuries, there is also a bit of bad luck developing in the team’s secondary. So far, the team has lost rotational defensive back Derion Kendrick for the season due to an ACL injury. Shortly thereafter, the team lost starting DB Darious Williams for an undetermined period due to a hamstring injury.
That all happened in the first week of Rams Training Camp.
The team will face plenty of challenges in 2024. These early-season injuries may be seen as challenges. And with every challenge comes an opportunity for someone else to step up. And an opportunity is all that undrafted SMU rookie DB Charles Woods needs.
There are plenty of players hoping to earn a spot in this secondary for the 2024 NFL season, and that competition is the stuff that sharpens the competitive edge of everyone and anyone who hopes to earn snaps and a roster spot. So it’s not a surprise that an undrafted rookie is showing up in a big way.
But the fact that he is putting on an impressive display this early in training camp is a rather impressive feat. And the truth is that Charles Woods may have plenty more where that came from.
Sleeper watch: UDFA DB Charles Woods is having a hell of a day on twos.
— Jourdan Rodrigue (@JourdanRodrigue) August 1, 2024
Woods may have been undrafted, but keep in mind that he was entering the NFL as one cornerback among a robustly talented and deep group of rookie prospects. He stands 5-foot-11 and weighs 185 pounds. He was a productive defensive back in college, The fact that he broke up 11 passes in 2023 for the SMU Mustangs certainly warrants his getting a shot in the NFL.
While he won’t wrestle a starting role out of this talented secondary, he is putting together an impressive portfolio for strong consideration for a roster spot. After all, this is a team that is looking for ball-hawking defensive backs. And it looks as though Woods is prepared to deliver that.
#Rams QB Jimmy Garoppolo has missed WR Tyler Johnson on three occasions for touchdowns. Overthrow…overthrow…and as I’m typing this, he’s picked off by CB Charles Woods. #LambsChop #NFL @SportingTrib
— Eric Lambkins II (@elambsquared) August 1, 2024
While it’s true that training camp is not the same thing as a regular season game, it does take a certain threshold of talent to be in the right position to make plays. And so far, rookie DB Charles Woods is doing that.
We have more than a month until the regular season begins. But we can add Charles Woods to the list of players to keep an eye on in preseason. His stock is just starting to rise. But if the trend continues, he could be an unexpected playmaker for this team in 2024.
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