The Los Angeles Rams have historically been OK with a lack of size at the cornerback position. Their last few draft picks—although rare—have demonstrated this from Cobie Durant and Derion Kendrick to the likes of Tre Tomlinson.
But the Rams did something very out of character this offseason: they made a major free agent signing and brought in a player with real size attributes. Jaylen Watson is listed at 6-2 and 197 lbs.
Advertisement
The addition of Watson got lost in the shuffle during the aftermath of LA’s trade for higher profile corner Trent McDuffie, his Kansas City teammate. McDuffie also fits the Rams’ preference or accommodation of smaller defenders, although he has a strong lower half and is a willing tackler out of the slot.
However, in Week 1 against the San Francisco 49ers, Watson may be the more important contributor out of the two.
The San Francisco 49ers’ biggest offseason addition was receiver Mike Evans. It wouldn’t be wise for the Rams to ask McDuffie to cover one of the most physical receivers in the NFL—this is a job for Watson.
The 49ers are hoping that Evans can deliver a similar impact to Davante Adams’ contributions in his first season in Los Angeles. The veteran caught 60 passes for 789 yards and 14 touchdowns in 14 games.
Advertisement
San Francisco isn’t betting on Evans accumulating 1,000 yards. They are looking for the same type of red zone production that helped LA boast the highest scoring offense in 2025.
There is just one man that stands between Evans and that goal in Week 1. Expect to see Watson on Evans early and often—and the corner must primarily win his opportunities in the short areas of the field.
The good news for Watson is that Evans may not be 100% healthy to start the season. He missed nearly all training camp and preseason practices and just recently started ramping up. Evans is probable to play, although it could be realistic to expect a limited workload. You can almost guarantee that, if on a snap count, San Francisco will ensure he’s on the field in the red zone.
Jaylen Watson versus Mike Evans is one of the most important matchups as the Rams and 49ers clash in Melbourne, Australia in a NFC West season opener.
Read the full article here