One game doesn’t make a star but don’t tell that to current Los Angeles Rams wide receivers, former Florida Gator Demarcus Robinson or former Minnesota Gopher Tyler Johnson.
The young wide receivers have seen their workload hit potentially new heights this season, prompting questions. What is in store for the Rams receivers and where did they come from?
Here’s a look at all things Demarcus Robinson, and Tyler Johnson and how their seasons are shaping up with a lot of uncertainty surrounding the receiver room.
Where Did Demarcus Robinson Come From?
Per Pro Football Reference, Robinson has been around the block in the NFL already. Turning age 30 this month, Robinson was selected in the fourth round of the 2016 NFL Draft out of the University of Florida. This makes him more of an NFL veteran in terms of yearly experience than Patrick Mahomes, who was drafted by the Chiefs in 2017.
Robinson has spent the bulk of his career with the Chiefs, leaving after the 2021 season. After spending a season with the Ravens in 2022, Robinson was signed by the Rams in 2023.
How Will Demarcus Robinson Fit Into The Offense For 2024?
Demarcus Robinson’s rise in production is tied directly to Puka Nacua’s injury. It was only after the wide receiver’s injury that the receiver was given a spotlight. As such, considering Robinson’s somewhat advanced age, Nacua’s long-term position on the team appears to be safe. That said, until Nacua returns in up to seven weeks, Robinson will slot in as the number-one receiver.
When Nacua returns, Robinson likely will return to the third spot on the depth chart. However, if Robinson can hold out over the next several weeks in the same role he played in Week 1, the Rams should be sitting pretty for the next month.
As a receiver who has yet to hit 500 yards in a single season, Robinson’s ceiling appears to be lower than Nacua or Kupp’s ceiling. As such, don’t expect him to light the world on fire but if he has a few more highlight plays in him for September, it would be a great time for it for Los Angeles.
With Cooper Kupp’s also out for the foreseeable future, it can only lead to more opportunities for Robinson.
Where Did Tyler Johnson Come From?
Tyler Johnson, like Demarcus Robinson, also has been around the block in the NFL after being drafted out of the University of Minnesota. The wide receiver has played for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and the Houston Texans before joining the Rams in 2023. Like Robinson, Johnson has also been tucked away on the depth chart, technically earning eight yards in 2023 in one game.
Johnson’s best season came in 2021, earning 360 yards while playing with Tom Brady. That said, his most enjoyable season might have been his rookie year in 2020, when he earned a ring with the Buccaneers.
How Will Tyler Johnson Fit Into The Offense For 2024?
After two games, Johnson has earned 99 yards, which puts him on pace to have his best season in the NFL. His rise in production also appears to be tied to Puka Nacua’s injury. When Nacua and Kupp return, Johnson will likely see himself dropped into the 4th spot on the depth chart.
However, until then, expect him to get plenty of action over the next several games. Put simply, Johnson has the chance to become a household name this season if he delivers on the opportunity.
Even if Sean McVay decides to lean heavily into the run game over the next handful of games, Stafford will need to throw the ball eventually, which plays directly into Johnson’s hands. Robinson will likely see much more attention from defenses, which creates opportunities for Johnson and his skill set.