The St. Louis Rams #1 receiver is MIA

The 2015 St. Louis Rams have a problem. That problem is the glaring need for a true number one wide out. This roster is teeming with talent in most places except pass catcher.

In 2014 Kenny Britt led all receivers with 748 receiving yards, including 13 plays of 20 or more yards downfield. He reeled in 48 passes on 84 targets with a respectable average of 15.6 yards per catch. He found the end zone a mere three times, but did not lose a single fumble on the year. For a former first round pick trying to get his career back on track after injuries those numbers are solid. The biggest problem here, they’re solid in the realm of second and third options on passing downs. That’s the good news.

More from Rams News

• Look for 49ers players to follow DeMeco Ryans to Texans
• Broncos mimic LA Rams, go All-In pairing Payton with Russell
• Championship Sunday shows me Rams need secondary help
• Can the LA Rams count on 17 games from QB Matthew Stafford?
• NFL salary cap skyrockets, but will it help LA Rams this offseason?

The bad news…

It all goes down hill after Britt. Heading into his second year with the team tight end Jared Cook, who received more guaranteed money on his contract than Rob Gronkowski, tallied up 634 receiving yards and three scores. Those are solid numbers for tight end, but his salary demands a higher level of play. Stedman Bailey couldn’t crack 435 receiving yards and only found pay dirt once all year. His partner in crime, Tavon Austin, the Rams supposed deep threat, settled for less than 250 receiving yards and two touchdowns. Mediocrity all around.

It’s safe to say the Rams can fill up the depth chart more than a couple times over with the crop of receivers they will be flaunting this year, but there is no clear cut number one option. Newly acquired quarterback Nick Foles will help to push those numbers a little higher, but Foles is no Peyton Manning.

St. Louis Rams tight end Jared Cook (89) runs with the ball against the Washington Redskins at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Who will St. Louis look too in the red zone, or on 3^rd and 4^th to go plays? There are two options on the current roster, Britt and Cook. Britt’s play provides some spark, but remains inconsistent due to average ability and inability to stay healthy. Britt has played all 16 games only twice in his six year career, including last year and his rookie season with Tennessee in 2009. Cook’s numbers in St. Louis have been solid. Two years with the Rams have provided him with his second and third best receiving yard totals outside of his career year in 2011 when he posted 759 yards, also in Tennessee. It might be unfair to ask for more from a tight end, but based on the current roster, Cook is the best receiving option.

Drafting running back Todd Gurley tenth overall in this years NFL draft is a clear sign the focus is going to shift to the ground game for the Rams moving forward. However, the best way to score in this league is through the air, unless you’re Marshawn Lynch of course, and this crop of receivers will struggle to do that. Blame the offensive line, blame Sam Bradford, or even blame head coach Jeff Fisher. They all have their fair share to take here, but the cream needs to rise to the top. No excuses.