{"id":109558,"date":"2021-04-08T19:39:48","date_gmt":"2021-04-08T23:39:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/?p=109558"},"modified":"2021-05-30T21:37:33","modified_gmt":"2021-05-31T01:37:33","slug":"three-los-angeles-rams-2021-offensive-weapon-upgrade-prospects","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2021\/04\/08\/three-los-angeles-rams-2021-offensive-weapon-upgrade-prospects\/","title":{"rendered":"Three Los Angeles Rams 2021 Offensive Weapon Upgrade Prospects"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Los Angeles Rams<\/a> sported the league\u2019s top defense by the end of the 2020-21 season. The NFL season ahead could see them making their case to be the year\u2019s most explosive scoring team. Yes, even more explosive than the 2018<\/a> Rams offense that outscored the Kansas City Chiefs<\/a>. The Chiefs are still the peak of the AFC mountaintop. Meanwhile, the Rams have descended the NFC summit, due in part to a lack of a true deep threat. By introducing an offensive weapon upgrade to the team, McVay and the Rams could return to form (or even surpass it) in 2021.<\/p>\n

Los Angeles Rams 2021 Offensive Weapon Upgrade Prospects<\/h2>\n

Credit where credit is certainly due, no one has to tell Sean McVay<\/a> how to create an explosive offense. That said, Rams fans are chomping at the bit for what figures to be an exciting season ahead in 2021-22.<\/p>\n

Admittedly, the loss of Austin Blythe<\/a>\u2014who signed with Kansas City\u2014dulls the excitement. The Chiefs will look solid next year and figure to be the team to beat in the league yet again. The arrival of a new sheriff in the NFC West (top-tier quarterback Matthew Stafford<\/a>) creates an opportunity for a long-awaited rematch with the Chiefs. A rematch, perhaps, on a grander scale some three years later than at any other point since the instant classic in 2018.<\/p>\n

Need for Speed Upgrades<\/h3>\n

The rest of the NFL world focuses on the defending Super Bowl champions bringing back key players. As such, it is important to remember when the Rams played the eventual champions last season, and how convincingly they beat them. To reclaim the NFC crown, the Rams will need to upgrade at no fewer than three positions. Of these three, the most glaring need is no secret to opposing defensive coordinators last season.<\/p>\n

It is the need for speed.<\/p>\n

This need is most notable at the wide receiver position. Stretching defenses in 2021 with offensive weapon upgrades at receiver could offset what the offense lacks on the offensive line. With the addition of Matthew Stafford and his elite arm, there has been no better time under Sean McVay than the 2021 off-season. By addressing their receiver needs within their means in the 2021 NFL Draft, the offense can take that next step. Of these receivers, three names stand out above the rest: Marquez Stevenson, D\u2019Wayne Eskridge, and Jaelon Darden<\/p>\n

Marquez Stevenson (University of Houston)<\/h3>\n

6’0″ \u2014 190 lb. \u2014 ~4.4-4.5 40-Yard Dash (Pro Day: April Ninth)<\/em><\/p>\n

This is the definitive must-see prospect at Friday’s pro day. Marquez Stevenson admittedly comes with numerous question marks, including his will to play every down. However, as a late-round projection with his natural ability and trained talent, finding answers could prove worth the effort.<\/p>\n

The tape suggests Stevenson plays bigger than he measures and shows he routinely runs past cornerbacks. Reports characterize the wideout as weaker against more physical players, contending he prefers to simply run around them. This is likely not a sustainable strategy at the professional level. On a team like the Rams, however, he may prove the perfect fit by commanding double-teams, stretching the field, and executing crisp slants.<\/p>\n

With McVay\u2019s scheme in place and a far stronger arm under center than in years past, simply running around a top-tier corner might not prove as futile as expected. He possesses better-than-average ball-tracking skills (for an incoming rookie) and catches overhead throws well. Should he land on a team with a breakaway passer, his ability to get free when the play breaks down would help him build confidence.<\/p>\n

If the Rams were to make Stevenson one of their offensive weapon upgrades, he would have the opportunity to learn behind the team\u2019s veteran deep threat, DeSean Jackson<\/a>. This would afford Stevenson a year to grow and learn before taking over the role as the primary deep threat. That said, if Jackson\u2019s 34-year-old frame breaks down as it has his last two seasons, Rams fans could see a Stafford-to-Stevenson combination sooner than expected.<\/p>\n

Projection: Sixth Round<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

D’Wayne Eskridge (Western Michigan University)<\/h3>\n

5’8″ \u2014 190 lb. \u2014 4.38 40-Yard Dash (at Pro Day)<\/em><\/p>\n

Eskridge felt that the cooler weather may have slowed him down on his pro day, but contends he is capable of running his 40-yard dash in under 4.3 seconds. This is not unbelievable, as he explodes off the snap and away from defenders with surprising ease at times. In fact, ESPN NFL Draft Analyst Todd McShay called attention to Eskridge\u2019s explosiveness during January\u2019s Senior Bowl practices:<\/p>\n

\n

Western Michigan WR D\u2019Wayne Eskridge is a name to get to know. He\u2019s eating some really good DBs alive during practice today. He\u2019s a potential top-50 pick in another loaded WR Class. pic.twitter.com\/R8n30VH9XV<\/a><\/p>\n

— Todd McShay (@McShay13) January 26, 2021<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n