The Los Angeles Rams are expecting big things from wide receiver Josh Reynolds in the 2020 NFL season.
Reynolds’ potential as the future No. 3 wideout in the receiving corps was enough for the Rams to trade wide receiver Brandin Cooks to the Houston Texans this offseason. Although Cooks’ departure deals a major blow to the passing game, it will be alleviated if they can find a worthy successor to go along with the extra draft pick and salary-cap space.
Reynolds will have his fair share of opportunities to etch out an integral role in the offense next season. Despite all the significant changes to the roster this offseason, it appears to be business as usual for him.
According to Stu Jackson of the team’s official website, Reynolds says nothing has changed in terms of his daily approach with Cooks gone:
“I approach it the same way I was approaching when Brandin was there,” Reynolds said on a video conference Monday. “Just get better a day at a time, trying to understand this offense more and more so ultimately I can be in a position to make plays. But it does show a lot of trust in me, so I’m glad I was able to build that trust with the team.”
Reynolds was able to show plenty of promise early on after being taken in the fourth round of the 2017 NFL Draft. He finished the 2018 campaign with 29 receptions for 402 yards and five touchdowns after filling in for an injured Cooper Kupp. Unfortunately, he still has yet to take that next step into becoming a viable option in the passing game for quarterback Jared Goff.
Of course, his progress may have been stunted by the limited snaps he saw behind the trio of Rams wideouts in Cooks, Kupp and Robert Woods. Fortunately, the work he has put in will not be in vain as he will finally have an opportunity to start a new “Big 3” for Goff.
Reynolds caught the Rams eye with his skill set as a bonafide deep threat in college and he will now be tasked with taking on a similar role. While he may not boast the same burst as the speedy Cooks, his size advantage provides a much easier target to throw to.
Los Angeles also made sure to shore up some depth by using the extra second-round pick to take Florida wide receiver Van Jefferson. While the rookie may be new to the offense, he will surely be looking to provide some competition.
