We recently learned the Los Angeles Rams are not likely to draft an offensive lineman early. Could they instead look for a defensive back?

Last season, the biggest weakness for the Rams was their offensive line. But they are now just missing a center, who they plan to fix with a veteran option rather than a rookie. Of course, the more exciting option is to draft a wide receiver.

But this year offers an especially deep class of wideouts. It may be wise for Los Angeles to fill their hole at cornerback.

100% believe the Rams biggest draft capital need becomes CB if Lamarcus Joyner switches to Safety. C is the obvious alternate. CBs are weak — Soul of Fisher (@_BMule) March 29, 2017

The Rams are reportedly still dangling franchise cornerback Trumaine Johnson on the trade block, who says he does not know his future with the franchise.

After losing Janoris Jenkins to the New York Giants, Los Angeles no longer has the depth they once bragged at defensive back.

Next season, it seems they are also not bringing back free agent safety T.J. McDonald.

One of the sleeper options is to move linebacker Mark Barron back to safety. He was All-SEC and unanimous first-team All-American at the position in college for Alabama.

If Wade Phillips prefers to use Barron as a safety, then the Rams could draft a new starting inside linebacker or promote one of his backups. But that seems significantly more unlikely.

I would love to see the Rams move Lamarcus Joyner to FS. I liken him to Rodney McCleod and thought they should have last year when he left — Mike Cahill (@FB_Cahill) March 29, 2017

According to Alden Gonzalez, they may replace McDonald internally through another option (via ESPN):

“Lamarcus Joyner, who solidified himself as a standout slot corner last year, is a real option to convert to free safety, with Maurice Alexander shifting over to strong safety to replace free agent T.J. McDonald.”

Joyner played 64.22 percent of snaps on defense. But he had a higher grade on Pro Football Focus than players including Prince Amukamara, Johnathan Joseph, Captain Munnerlyn, Dre Kirkpatrick, Stephen Gilmore and Darrelle Revis.

He would likely consider to play nickel on third downs and then play in the safety position on base downs.

In addition to Johnson and E.J. Gaines, the Rams would now need one of the following cornerbacks to step up for regular playing time: Kayvon Webster, Mike Jordan, Troy Hill and Marqui Christian.

Alternatively, if they kept Joyner in the same role he had last year, the Rams could start Cody Davis or Brian Randolph at free safety.

Hill led the aforementioned defenders in total snap count last season, with just 30.83% of snaps played for Los Angeles.

Any of the above options would be a leap of faith and role for someone on the squad. It would also necessitate the Rams to find another defensive back, assuredly fixed in the draft as the team is effectively out of cap space.

The best option for the second round is likely Obi Melifonwu from Connecticut. Budda Baker from Washington is another great option. Both are believed to be able to play safety and cornerback in the NFL, which offers helpful versatility.

I don't mind the Joyner move, but why? This is the deepest Safety class in a LONG time. Can get a true FS ball-hawk in round 3 or 4. — Sosa Kremenjas (@SosaNFLDraft) March 29, 2017

Last month, Mike Mayock from NFL Network said that this was the deepest class of safeties and cornerbacks in at least ten years.

John Johnson from Boston College, Desmond King from Iowa, Cam Sutton from Tennesse and Dwayne Thomas from LSU are similar players who could be available later rounds if the Rams decide to draft a receiver or tight end with their first pick.

The Rams have already met with both King and Sutton and Thomas could be a strong sleeper pick.