The Los Angeles Rams wide receiver room has been top-heavy over the last two years. After last season, it looked to that it would be even more so with the emergence of Puka Nacua. But then by the end of the season, Demarcus Robinson proved to be a perfect complement to Nacua and Cooper Kupp.
Then they drafted Jordan Whittington. After a dominant preseason, he looks to be a lock for the 53-man roster.
Tutu Atwell didn’t play a snap in the preseason, which those who know Sean McVay realize that means Atwell has made the squad.
Can Xavier Smith Make The Rams 53 Man Roster
The Rams typically keep six wide receivers on the roster. But they may have two deserving receivers, Tyler Johnson and Xavier Smith, currently on the roster that deserve to make it past cut-down day, and won’t likely make it through waivers, so the Rams could add them back to the practice squad.
Johnson appears to have the leg up on Smith to make the team, but Smith has built a compelling case to be kept.
Sean McVay was asked about Smith’s offseason performance after the Houston Texans game;
He did a really good job. That was a big third down conversion that he had, little option route he took the outbreak and ended up creating after the catch. He had a handful of jet sweeps today. Even the one punt return where he went into the sideline you can see he’s fielded the ball well. He’s made good decisions.”
“You look at him from last year to this year it’s awesome to see the growth, the maturation his teammates love him. He was a captain today for the game and I was really pleased with Xavier”
Outside of Whittington, Smith led all receivers in receptions and yards. But his true value to the team is his versatility. He also picked up yards rushing and on special teams.
A competent and reliable returner will be incredibly important to the Rams going into this year. It is a position they have struggled to fill since Brandon Powell left in free agency.
There is a world where this isn’t an issue. The Rams could keep seven receivers, especially if they like his returnability. Of course, that means shaving off one roster spot from another positional group, perhaps tight end or running back.
