RR #33

Robert Rochell

Cornerback · Central Arkansas

A converted skill-position player turned FCS All-American, Robert Rochell has carved out a six-year NFL career as a versatile cornerback and special teams contributor.

Robert Rochell's path to the NFL ran through Central Arkansas, where he transitioned from running back and receiver into one of the FCS level's top defensive backs. Drafted in the fourth round by the Rams, he has since bounced between several rosters as a reliable depth corner and special teamer. He now brings that steady, battle-tested presence to Carolina's secondary.

★ Fourth-round pick, 130th overall, 2021 NFL Draft

★ First Team All-Southland Conference (2019)

★ Tied for 10th in the FCS with five interceptions in 2019

Path to the league

Rochell began his college career as a running back and receiver before switching to cornerback at Central Arkansas, where he developed into a First Team All-Southland Conference player. As a redshirt junior in 2019 he tied for 10th in the FCS with five interceptions and added a team-high 13 pass breakups. The Los Angeles Rams selected him in the fourth round, 130th overall, of the 2021 NFL Draft.

Career highlights

Rochell posted his best statistical season as a rookie with the Rams before settling into a role as a depth corner and special-teams contributor across multiple NFL stops. His versatility and coverage instincts, honed from his unconventional path through college football, have kept him on NFL rosters for six seasons.

2025 season recap

Rochell split the 2025 season between the Dallas Cowboys and Carolina, appearing in two games with Dallas before Carolina signed him off Dallas's practice squad in November. He went on to play in four games for the Panthers down the stretch, continuing his career-long role as a reliable special-teams and depth secondary piece.