Los Angeles Rams Must Fix Their Wide Receiving Core To Compete In 2016
By Dylan Thomas
The Los Angeles Rams’ wide receiving corp didn’t scare any opponent on any Sunday this past season.
There was no real outside threat in the 2015-16 campaign, as the Rams failed to log a single 1,000 yard receiver — which the team hasn’t had since 2007, when Torry Holt had 1,189 yards.
The receiver position may be the biggest hole on this team, and their current talent can’t keep afloat in this pass-happy league today in the NFL.
Tavon Austin had somewhat of a breakout year proving to be the play maker the Los Angeles Rams thought he’d be when they drafted him in the first round in the 2013 NFL draft.
Austin had 1,191 all-purpose yards , but only 473 of those yards came via receiving.
Kenny Britt was the Rams leading receiver in 2015 with just 681 yards.
#NFL #Rams 2016 NFL Draft: The Los Angeles Rams Could Move Down In Round One https://t.co/o9WlI3c2mI pic.twitter.com/8oy8b7nuBU
— Rams Fan Zone (@Rams_FZ) February 12, 2016
In today’s NFL, that’s not a number one receiving stat line.
After those two, the Rams don’t have much to talk about, as they had to sign an 34-year old Wes Welker late in the season and Brian Quick is set to become a free agent but hasn’t been the same since his major shoulder injury in 2012.
Bottom line being that the Rams must upgrade this receiving core; thankfully, there are a few options for them via draft and free agency.
The Rams have a projected $38 million in cap space and must not let this opportunity slip to finally improve their receiving core — this group is highlighted with Chicago Bears’ receiver Alshon Jeffery.
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Imagine an offense with Todd Gurley , Tavon Austin , Jared Cook and Alshon Jeffery for a second.
Other impending free agents include Marvin Jones, who had himself a career year with 65 catches for 816 yards and four touchdowns.
Jones, if he tests free agency, will be a more likely scenario for the Rams. Marvin Jones has been a reliable option for the Cincinnati Bengals, as he fell under the radar from pass catchers like AJ Green and Tyler Eifert.
Marvin Jones shouldn’t command the money Alshon Jeffery would get and give the Rams a trending receiver.
There’s also the NFL draft where the Rams can improve their receiving core — and the Rams currently own the 15th pick in the 2016 NFL draft.
The most sought of receiver being Laquan Treadwell from Ole Miss; especially considering that Treadwell is a big receiving threat the Rams are missing.
He has sure hands and is physical at the point of attack.
Treadwell has the size and play making skills as a number one receiver in the making. If he’s there with the Rams’ pick and the Rams failed to get a receiver via free agency, then this has to be the selection.
Other options include Braxton Miller the former quarterback turned receiver who looks like an exciting play maker with his raw speed and explosiveness.
Whichever way the Rams decide to go they must find their 2016 version of Torry Holt and Isaac Bruce.
This is a pass-happy league and with an improved receiving core and an intriguing player like Todd Gurley in the backfield, the Rams can have a modern day ‘greatest team on turf’ feel.
Next: Todd Gurley Named 2015-16 Offensive Rookie Of The Year
If the Rams want to compete in 2016, they must improve their receiving unit.