Rams Fans United - Los Angeles Rams Fan Discussion Forum

Rounding out the offense, here is my breakdown of the WR and TE positions:

Wide Receiver
Signed through 2019: Brandin Cooks, Robert Woods, Cooper Kupp, Josh Reynolds, Mike Thomas
Free Agents: JoJo Natson (ERFA), Khadarel Hodge (ERFA)

The Rams are in very good shape at the WR position. Their top four guys are signed, and there seems to be a good chance that Cooper Kupp will be back at full strength next year (reports are that his surgery revealed a "clean" ACL tear with no other damage). Mike Thomas is a holdover who probably is a longshot to make the squad. Natson and Hodge are key special teams contributors. As exclusive rights free agents, they'll be back if the Rams wish to retain them.

Av's plan: Not much needs to be done here. The only tweak I'd consider is using a Day 3 pick to select someone who can be Kupp's understudy as a true slot receiver. Though Josh Reynolds was reasonably productive as Kupp's fill-in, he's not a chain-moving, safety-blanket, slot type like Kupp. A couple of sleeper names to file away are Olamide Zaccheaus, a speedy converted-RB from Virginia, and John Ursua, an ultra-productive route-runner from Hawaii. A guy like Zaccheaus could also compete for the KR/PR duties.

Tight End
Signed through 2019: Tyler Higbee, Gerald Everett, Johnny Mundt
Free Agents: None.

Another "stand pat" position. While the TE position has not emerged as a primary threat in the Rams' offense, I think there was some improvement in terms of incorporating Higbee and Everett into the passing game. The key here, though, is money. The three TEs on the roster have a total combined cap hit of only around $3.6M for 2019. With other areas of need, that's extremely cost effective.

Av's Plan: Status quo.

WR, yes. Ok

TE? I think we upgrade here, and big time. Every time it looks like the lightbulb is going on, they disappear.

And the TE's need to BLOCK as the alignments will undoubtedly change to give more protection against formidable defensive fronts and schemes.

That would help..

dieterbrock wrote:WR, yes. Ok

TE? I think we upgrade here, and big time. Every time it looks like the lightbulb is going on, they disappear.

I don't subscribe to this at all. The problem with our TE's is scheme and play calling, not talent. Had McVay used them/went more 12-personnel, we probably win the SB.

Both have developed nicely and Everett has insane potential.

ramsman34 wrote:I don't subscribe to this at all. The problem with our TE's is scheme and play calling, not talent. Had McVay used them/went more 12-personnel, we probably win the SB.

Both have developed nicely and Everett has insane potential.

Well, I agree pretty much with most of what you said, scheme, play calling and lack of 12 personnel. And being McVay cut his teeth with TE and had a lot of success with them in Washington, I think it says a lot about his lack of use of them.
He schemes and play calls to what he sees as his strengths.
2 years of mediocre production out of TE spot makes me think we’re due for an upgrade.

Dick84 wrote:I would dump the 3rd TE and add a fullback.

Not understanding this. A FB? For what purpose? Pass blocking?
Don’t understand what a FB does other than take the place of a contributing player, either 3rd WR or 2nd TE

Dick84 wrote:Belichick finds them useful.
I’m looking at ways to expand the offense.

Me too, that's why I think we need to upgrade TE. Lol

I guess if we can get a vet upgrade. Don't see another rookie as the answer. Everett should make big strides this off season. Higs probably is wha he is at this point - not sure what he is, lol. The TE position is probably harder to master than WR.

I'd like to see what Everett can do in year 3. That is when players typically start stepping up their game. Everett has the potential to be an explosive weapon in an offense that has several others.