2016-Present

Training Camp: Plenty of vacant spots for wide receivers on L.A. Rams roster

The Los Angeles Rams offense is an unknown as it stands now, and the wide receiver position is a major part of it. The unit has potential, but to unlock it, the quarterbacks must get them the football. There is also the chance that a newcomer could reinvigorate the passing offense as well. Training camp should give us a better idea.

The No. 1 receiver will likely continue to be Kenny Britt. There is no doubt about that Britt has always had the potential to make an impact on this offense, but he has been inconsistent throughout his career. If he truly wants to be the No. 1 option, Britt will need to be more steady and catch the ball.

This has definitely been said before, but Brian Quick showed some potential in previous years, but injuries have slowed him down. He will likely make the roster, but if he shows up to training camp unprepared, don’t be surprised if he’s cut. Quick has the tools to be a solid receiver in the NFL, but he needs to take the next step. This is the year for him to do it, or it will be his last in a Rams uniform.

Tavon Austin will remain the slot receiver, and his performance level will depend on who is throwing him the football. If quarterback Case Keenum remains the starter, we can expect a repeat performance as last year with Austin. If rookie quarterback Jared Goff becomes the starter, and performs to his potential, we will finally be introduced to the playmaker we all know Austin can be.

Britt and Austin are the only receivers assured of making the roster in 2016. The WR battle will be the most intense competition on the offense, because there are three to four spots open. Bradley Marquez filled a spot last year, but his job could be in jeopardy thanks to the newcomers. Marquez will have to impress with his special teams role and prove himself as a dependable option in the preseason.

Rookie wide receiver Pharoh Cooper could be a dangerous addition. Place him alongside Austin or running back Bennie Cunningham, and they could form a dangerous special teams unit. He’s so athletic, Cooper could prove to be the steal of the 2016 NFL Draft for the Rams receiving corps. Don’t count out rookie Mike Thomas either. He was a ballhawk at Southern Mississippi. Thomas has the potential to be Stedman Bailey’s replacement. Every quarterback needs that one receiver that can catch the football consistently.

There are plenty of other young guys just waiting for an opportunity to make the roster such as: Paul McRoberts, Deon Long, Duke Williams and Nelson Spruce. Don’t count any of them out. Marquez was an unknown prospect and made the roster last year, so it’s not out of the question for any of these young players to do the same. The wide receiver battle will definitely be one of the more exciting parts of training camp to watch.

You can follow Johnny Gomez on Twitter @Johnny5not6. Be sure to follow Rams Talk on Twitter @TalkRams.

Most Popular

To Top