There was no denying that the Los Angeles Rams took a step back in 2019, finishing 9-7 and missing the playoffs just one year after reaching the Super Bowl.
This offseason has had more than the team’s fair share of changes in hopes of improving for 2020. With high roster turnover in free agency and some offseason trades, the Rams were desperate for some new talent. Luckily, they once again stockpiled second and third-round picks for the 2020 NFL Draft and with their second pick in the draft, the Rams selected Florida wide receiver Van Jefferson.
After being selected, Jefferson’s new teammate Robert Woods needed to find out what the future rookie was like on the field. According to Gary Klein of the L.A. Times, Woods watched some highlights and got all the information he needed:
“I was like, ‘All right, this dude, already he has that swagger, he has the confidence to come in and dominate,’ ” Woods said.
Jefferson joins a star-studded wide receiver room in Los Angeles. Although the team traded Brandin Cooks, the Rams still believe they will have a three-headed monster creating space out on the field. In addition to Woods, the Rams, of course, have Cooper Kupp wreaking havoc. Both Kupp and Woods managed to go for over 1,000 receiving yards last season.
As for the third member, Jefferson may be able to carve out some time for himself in his rookie season, but Josh Reynolds will likely see much more playing time as well. Reynolds has been a backup his last three years with the squad but has consistently proven that he can handle starting duties. Last year, Reynolds averaged the most yards per reception on the team and in 2018 averaged the fourth-most.
For Jefferson, he is excited to join the Rams due to their notoriously great offense:
“When they called me, I know I saw California, I just didn’t know who it was,” Jefferson said. “I picked it up and it was the Rams and, instantly, it clicked in my head, ‘Man, that offense goes.’ ”
Of course, the Rams will need to develop a solid run-game before they can consistently rely on their wide receivers. Without Todd Gurley’s talents, that may be easier said than done, but the Rams certainly have some potential for the upcoming 2020 season. Unfortunately, it could be some time before the Rams wide receivers get to show Jefferson the ropes due to the extended effects of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
