After their 2022 season was interrupted by injuries and other causes, the Los Angeles Rams’ comeback in 2023 caught many by surprise. Much of the Rams’ success can be attributed to some incredible breakout performances throughout the squad, notably from their great rookie class. Puka Nacua set rookie receiver records, and Kobie Turner, Byron Young, and Steve Avila also made significant contributions. Outside of the rookie class, athletes like Kyren Williams made significant contributions. As Los Angeles attempts to capitalize on a good season, it will undoubtedly expect similar breakout performances in 2024. Pro Football Focus believes that defensive back Quentin Lake is a prime contender to break out.
“Lake didn’t emerge on the Rams defence as a consistent contributor until about Week 6 of his second year in the league, where he began fulfilling the nickel corner duties for the defence,” PFF noted in a report. “Lake struggled throughout his first year as a starter but gradually improved and increased his playing time, resulting in a respectable 70.0 overall PFF grade, 77.2 PFF run-defense grade, and 66.6 PFF coverage grade, including the playoffs. The 2022 sixth-round pick appeared to play well enough to potentially hold down the starting role in 2024.
Lake, a 2022 sixth-round pick from UCLA, did not make his first start until Week 9 of this season. Even if he did receive some initial experience, he is currently working his way into the post full-time.
Lake has accumulated 63 total tackles and seven passes defended over his first two seasons. His underlying statistics are also extremely impressive, and if he can maintain his high level of play, it wouldn’t be shocking to see him play a larger part in 2024.
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