Lamarcus Joyner hasn’t always been happy with the workload he’s been given on the Rams defense. While he has seen an increase in starting opportunities since earning just one start as a rookie in 2014, he didn’t yet have the role that he envisioned for himself.

Remember that scene from Hard Knocks when he tried to quit and Jeff Fisher had to talk him down?

Well it’s a good thing Fisher convinced him to stick around because the 26-year-old has finally earned the opportunity to be a regular starter in the Rams secondary, playing both as free safety and a slot cornerback – a result of his hard work and vocal displeasure with only being utilized in subpackages.

And per ESPN.com’s Alden Gonzalez, he sees this chance to be an every-down member of the defense as a blessing.

Via ESPN.com:

“A lot of people make it to the league,” he said on Monday. “Some guys don’t pan out; some guys never get what they want. And to be in the driver’s seat of what you want to do as a professional football player, that’s really a dream come true.”

It’s still not a role that he can take for granted though. This was made possible partially by the departure of strong safety T.J. McDonald, which necessitated moving Mo Alexander back to strong safety. However Alexander was actually rated by Pro Football Focus as one of the most improved safeties in the NFL last season – which coincided with a significant increase in snaps played at free safety.

There’s also Nickell Robey-Coleman, the slot corner that the Rams brought in from Buffalo. Unlike Joyner, who was drafted 41st overall in the second round, Coleman was an undrafted free agent who worked his way into a significant role with the Bills. So he likely has no qualms about competing with Joyner for snaps.