The start of the 2017 NFL season is quickly approaching as most teams have already hit the field for their first preseason games. There will be plenty of storylines to watch after players bouncing around the league in free agency and rookies looking to make their marks in their first season.
For the Los Angeles Rams, the upcoming season is a chance to right the ship after their disappointing first season back in Los Angeles. Head coach Sean McVay was brought in to revamp the team’s offense and the front office gave him a new weapon after they traded for wide receiver Sammy Watkins. According to Myles Simmons of Rams, McVay gave praise to his new receiver:
“With Sammy, I think clearly you’re getting a special receiver,” Rams head coach Sean McVay said. “Obviously, his career when he’s been available, he’s been outstanding in terms of being able to stretch the field vertically, but when the balls in his hands, good things happen. We feel like he’s going to be a good addition to our offense.”
The team dealt corner back E.J. Gaines and a 2018 second-round pick for Watkins and a 2018 sixth-round pick which looks like a good deal for both sides. Watkins gives the Rams a true No. 1 wide receiver with his ability to make big plays down the field and makes their pass-heavy scheme even more dangerous.
By adding Watkins, the front office has given McVay and Jared Goff another useful tool on the offensive end. While it remains to be seen how well Goff and Watkins mesh on the field, it is still a great deal for Los Angeles and will hopefully pay dividends during the season.
