The Los Angeles Rams roster is mostly set going into the summer now that the NFL Draft and the main free agency window are over. The Rams might still trade for Jalen Ramsey or sign a guy like Jedrick Wills, but they have already mostly focused on what they believed to be the offseason’s top needs. We ought to have a decent notion of the Rams’ attitudes toward particular position groups on the roster by now.
This does not imply that all needs have been met. The Rams could still use some assistance in the secondary as well as some tackle depth.
However, those aren’t positions that the Rams prioritized in the offseason, meaning they may feel better about those spots than those outside the organization.
ESPN’s Aaron Schatz looked at what he considers the biggest hole on each roster following the draft. As Schatz noted, “At this point in the offseason, a roster hole does not necessarily mean the position group has no clear starters. Most teams have filled the top of their depth charts. But plenty of units have limited depth.” That position group for the Rams according to Schatz is wide receiver. Said Schatz,
The depth of the Rams wide receivers is undoubtedly a cause for some worry. This group isn’t as strong as it was under Sean McVay in prior years. The Rams cut Cooper Kupp and decided not to re-sign Demarcus Robinson. They appear to be expecting for guys like Jordan Whittington and Tutu Atwell to assume more significant roles even if they signed Davante Adams.
Given that the Rams have been waiting on Atwell to improve for the past four seasons, it would appear risky to some level. Whittington also didn’t get much playing time as a rookie. Having said that, when Kupp and Puka Nacua were both sidelined last season, both players were the main alternatives for receiving.
During those games, Atwell was ninth in the NFL in yards per route with 2.61 while Whittington was 20th at 2.12. Atwell was also 18th in targets per route while Whittington was 23rd. Throughout McVay’s tenure, the Rams have done a really good job ensuring that their receivers are ready when their number is called.
While there is optimism for Whittington and Atwell, neither have shown that they can sustain that level over the course of a season. Even if the Rams do go to more 12 personnel packages, the Las Vegas Raiders led the NFL in 12 personnel rate at 35.5 percent. For the Rams, on the high end in estimations, they may end up in the 17 percent to 28 percent range. The NFL is still an 11 personnel league.
Earlier this week, the Jacksonville Jaguars released wide receiver Gabe Davis. Davis may not have had the success that some expected after leaving the Buffalo Bills. However, he is still a quality depth wide receiver. During his time with the Bills, Davis showed the ability to be a plus-blocker, can line up and win outside, and is simply experienced depth that the Rams don’t currently have.
Davis might make some sense if the Rams wanted to add some depth at this stage of the offseason, but that’s not to suggest they should try him out. However, Atwell and Whittington could lose out on opportunities if Davis is added. The Rams probably have faith in the guys they presently have on staff.
Eric Yarber has played a major role in the Rams’ successful wide receiver development. Despite not being the most intriguing name, Konata Mumpfield is a brilliant route runner who fits in well with the Rams scheme. Promising undrafted free agents are also available to the Rams.
If the Rams get into a spot where they suffer an injury or two at the position, signing someone like Davis is something that they would have to consider. For the time being, there is a lot to like with the players currently in that position group.
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