LOS ANGELES – Rams cornerback Cobie Durant let his personality shine from Day 1 of training camp.
Defending a deep ball to wide receiver Puka Nacua down the left sideline, Durant met his adversary in the air to bat away a back-shoulder throw, which he followed with an emphatic Nae Nae dance celebration. The next day, he hit the Stanky Leg dance after denying rookie tight end Terrance Ferguson on an end zone shot.
Whenever he makes a big play, Durant busts out a move that he's schemed up ahead of time, part of his devotion to playing freely and with confidence in 2025.
"When you can come out here and have fun, man, and have that great energy and just engage with one another, engage with the fans, it builds your confidence, and that's a big thing for me this year," Durant told theRams.com.
This offseason, Durant has embraced collaboration and the idea that "no question is a dumb question." Whether its a veteran or a coach, Durant has allowed himself to seek advice about little things that he may not have in years past. It has resulted in a dynamic and confident start to Rams Training Camp presented by UNIFY Financial Credit Union for the effervescent cornerback.
"Everybody's on one accord asking questions (like) 'What techniques should we use here? Can we do this technique instead of this technique?' Or (with) what they already coached, can we just add our own sauce to what they already have and see if it will work?" Durant explained.
Whenever the ball has flown in Durant's direction during the first week of camp, the Rams' fourth-year cornerback has been there to meet it. Early on Day 1, he denied another deep ball, using impressive recovery speed to swat a pass away from a striding Nacua. And even when receivers have caught the ball, it's been through tight windows where they had nowhere to go after the catch.
Durant's personal "sauce" has certainly been visible, as he's looked decisive and athletic. On Day 2 of camp, he almost intercepted a lofty pass from quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, again going against Nacua, who's had a fantastic camp himself, just not against Durant.
As long as he stay healthy, Durant said "everything else will fall into place," so that's his main goal for 2025. In an attempt to do so, Durant has also asked his teammates about their eating habits so that he can feel as good as possible throughout the season. He already feels better as a result of that effort.
In Chris Shula's second year as defensive coordinator, Durant has his best understanding of the Rams' defense yet. Plus, an added dose of collaboration and subtle schematic adjustments has helped the Rams' defense grow as a unit in the offseason.
"I'd say (Shula's added to) our four core fundamentals, tackling, pursuit, attacking the ball, things of that nature," Durant said.
A summer full of studying tape to assure himself of his personal responsibilities on any given play has afforded Durant the knowledge and conviction to be the best version of his on-field persona: "Landshark."
