​Los Angeles Rams veteran safety Quentin Lake was recognized as one of the top players at his position entering 2026 despite an injury-riddled 2025 season.ESPN NFL insider Jeremy Fowler compiled a ranking of the league’s top safeties based on votes from NFL executives, coaches, and scouts ahead of the 2026 season.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThe NFL’s top personal left Lake out the top 10, but he did receive some votes.Other safeties who received votes similar to Lake are Minkah Fitzpatrick, Jalen Ramsey, Kevin Byard, and Bryan Cook, to name a few.Lake had himself a solid 2025 season all things considered. In 10 appearances in the regular season, Lake recorded 61 total tackles, 10 pass breakups, two tackles for loss, two quarterback hits, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, and his first career interception.Lake was unable to play the entire season due to an elbow injury sustained in Week 11.The former UCLA Bruin will enter the fifth season of his career, and it will be his biggest yet.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementMajor expectations have been placed upon the Rams, their defense, and specifically their secondary. It is a retooled group led by All-Pro cornerback Trent McDuffie. While that is the case, the Rams will rely heavily on Lake’s leadership.The 27-year-old is the longest-tenured player at the safety position for the Rams. Lake will be tasked with being the “chess piece” for defensive coordinator Chris Shula.The expectation is that Lake picks up right where he left off prior to his elbow injury. His versatility will be heavily relied upon to tie the revamped defensive backfield.Lake, along with Kam Curl and Kamren Kinchens, has a great chance to establish themselves as an elite safety unit. That room enters the season as possibly the most overlooked unit in 2026, given all the attention on the defensive line and the cornerback spot.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementLake does most of his damage as a hybrid premium buckle role. His stellar play throughout his entire career earned him a lucrative three-year, $42 million contract towards the end of the 2025 season.According to Pro Football Focus, Lake had an overall grade of 75.1, which ranked 13th among qualified safeties. His coverage grade of 72.9 ranked 19th among 98 qualified safeties, and his run-defense grade of 74.6 ranked 29th at the position.The Rams enter the 2026 season with high hopes, and Lake will be looked upon to turn those hopes into reality.