The 2016 NFL Draft class for the Los Angeles Rams was highlighted by the team’s willingness to trade the farm in order to make the biggest jump in draft history to select quarterback Jared Goff.
Although most have been disappointed with Goff being relegated to the bench in favor of Case Keenum, there are a number of other rookies that still have yet to make any kind of impact this season. Players like Pharoh Cooper, Tyler Higbee, and Nelson Spruce all enjoyed productive training camps, but have not been able to translate that production into the regular season.
Cooper seemingly established himself as the clear-cut No. 3 wideout during training camp until he began dealing with a shoulder injury in the preseason. Since then, he has been active in just one game this season. Head coach Jeff Fisher provided some clarity on the current state of Cooper’s play according to Alden Gonzalez of ESPN:
“It’s nothing that he’s done or hasn’t done,” Fisher said. “It’s just hard to keep getting all those guys up. Coop’s done well.”
Meanwhile, Higbee has seen the second-most snaps at tight end behind Lance Kendricks so far this season. However, his usage rate remains low as he has seen just six targets though six games. Despite the lack of attention from Keenum, offensive coordinator Rob Boras says success is not always measured through the amount of catches a tight end has.
“As a former tight end coach, the success of a tight end is not always based on receptions,” Boras said. “There’s a lot of other things that we ask him to do.”
As Los Angeles continues to struggle with inconsistent quarterback play, the Rams are hoping these rookies can be productive in the latter part of the year. If Rams history proves right, it is only a matter of time before their name is called upon.
