The Los Angeles Rams have put the NFL on notice as they revamped their roster ahead of the 2018 NFL season. The Rams, who surprised the league during the 2017 NFL season by going 11-5 and capturing the NFC West division title, added quality talent on both sides of the ball and on paper have one of the most impressive rosters in the NFL.
After the departure of Sammy Watkins, Los Angeles lacked a vertical threat who could stretch the defense and create opportunities up the middle for players like Robert Woods and Cooper Kupp. However, the team managed to address the issue when they agreed on a deal to bring in Brandin Cooks.
It was reported that the Rams had actually tried to trade for Cooks when he was still with the New Orleans Saints but could not come to an agreement on a deal. However, according to Joe Curly of Ventura County Star, Les Snead revealed why a trade never materialized:
Snead confirms the Rams had interest in Cooks before the 2017 season: "New England had a first-round pick, we didn't. So New England won the trade that way."
— Joe Curley (@vcsjoecurley) April 5, 2018
The lack of a first-round pick was apparently enough for the Saints to agree on a deal with the New England Patriots, forcing the Rams to chase after Watkins instead. However, it appears everything worked out in the end given Los Angeles’ front office ended up with the receiver they were looking for in the first place.
With Cooks now in the fold for the Rams, the team has a legitimate shot to challenge for a Super Bowl championship. While Los Angeles looks capable of competing, no one will know for sure until the 2018 NFL campaign kicks off in a few months.
