The Los Angeles Rams have positioned themselves well to contend for a Super Bowl during the 2018 NFL season. The Rams were able to come to terms on a deal with Nickell Robey-Coleman while also using their franchise tag on Lamarcus Joyner while also executing trades for Marcus Peters and Aqib Talib.
However, while they have made several improvements to their defense, Los Angeles has a hole at the wide receiver position after Sammy Watkins opted to sign a deal with the Kansas City Chiefs. With Watkins no longer on the roster, the Rams will look to replace him either through free agency, the 2018 NFL Draft or promote someone from within.
In an appearance on NFL Total Access, Robert Woods discussed Watkins’ departure from the team:
Big loss. Big loss for us as an offense, and for me as well,” Woods said on NFL Total Access. “I think he led our receiver room in touchdowns, so we have to replace that. And just his presence on the field – him on the opposite side of me, I can trust him, I know what he does. It definitely opens up doors for him. Let him take it up top or let me do the work across.”
Watkins was originally brought in to be Los Angeles’ proverbial number one receiver, but found that Sean McVay’s egalitarian offense called for several different looks for multiple players. While the Rams wanted to keep Watkins around for continuity, it was clear from the start of the offense that improving the defense was the team’s priority, thus allowing the Chiefs to sign him.
Still, Los Angeles is in good shape for the foreseeable future given all the young talent on the roster. With a year of experience under the belts, it would not be surprising to see the Rams make some noise in the playoffs.
