Nick “The Brick” Scott, as some Rams fans are now starting to call him, has made his presence known for his big hit and playmaking ability for the team since the start of the 2021 playoffs. Some of the most memorable plays include an interception on a deep ball from Tom Brady when the Rams Played the Buccaneers in the Divisional Round of the playoffs and laying the boom on Deebo Samuel for the Niners during the NFC Championship game. Scott has emerged as the starting safety and looks to play himself into a big contract. He’s done so by continuing his outstanding play for a full workload against the league’s premier offenses, as the Rams have the most challenging schedule in the entire league.
Scott went to Penn State and originally played running back behind both Saquon Barkley and Miles Sanders. However, he didn’t get much time on the field, so he moved to safety and special teams to get himself more opportunities. It ultimately was a brilliant decision, as he played well enough to get selected by the Rams in the 7th round of the 2019 NFL draft. Scott spent his first two years playing on the practice squad, developing his skillset, and learning the Rams’ defense. In 2021, he finally got his shot to play against the Seahawks, where he got his first career interception off Russell Wilson. However, it wasn’t until the start of the playoffs in 2021 that Scott finally got a shot as a full-time starter due to the injuries of Jordan Fuller and Taylor Rapp. Luckily for the Rams, Scott put together an outstanding postseason in the secondary by continuing to force turnovers and laying thunderous hits on opposing offensive players. Scott’s performance helped boost the Rams’ defense and ultimately helped the team win a Super Bowl.
James Cook first touch leads to a fumble thanks to Leonard Floyd and Nick Scott pic.twitter.com/eEFcPkgOij
— Ian Wharton (@NFLFilmStudy) September 9, 2022
Coming into the 2022 season, Scott would move ahead of Rapp and become the starting strong safety for Los Angeles. His background as a running back in college gives him a unique skillset in the secondary, as he is used to absorbing contact and getting hit. In the Rams’ first game of the season against Buffalo, Scott was responsible for forcing two of the Bills’ turnovers. One was by stripping the ball from RB James Cook. His second came later in the game, as he punched the ball loose from RB Zack Moss. His play even caught the attention of Richard Sherman, who later tweeted about Scott’s performance.
Scott has grown into his own and has had a fantastic start to the 2022 season. Going into his fourth season, he looks to show the NFL world that he deserves a larger contract, as he continues to be a big playmaker for his team. He believes he has what it takes to be a solid starting safety going forward and possibly even make a Pro Bowl in the future. It’s safe to say that the Rams’ 7th-round pick turned out to be a gem and proves what a player on the bottom of the depth chart can do with a proper hard-working mindset.
