Wes Welker to the Rams: What Makes it So Great

Jan 12, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos receiver Wes Welker (83) celebrates his second quarter touchdown with Eric Decker (87) against the San Diego Chargers during the 2013 AFC divisional playoff football game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

Wes Welker will be an invaluable team leader and mentor for the Rams.

Undoubtedly, there are several risks that come with the Wes Welker signing. Not only is the old man regressing in terms of production due to his age and overuse in New England, but he has had several concussions in his career. One big hit could ruin his well-being as a player and as a person.

However, even if Welker is unable to provide on-field production as an individual, he will become a leader of the youngest team in the NFL. By signing with the Rams, Welker is automatically the oldest and most experienced player on the roster. He is also only the third St. Louis Ram over the age of thirty (the other two being defensive ends William Hayes and Chris Long).

Critics can hate on Wes Welker’s abilities as a football player all they want, but his leadership and determination is undeniable and extremely valuable for his teammates. Whether it’s by speeches on the sideline or displays of fortitude and ferocity between the white lines, Welker can motivate the most uninspired teammates to win a football game.

"“Wes definitely turns it up a notch on game day… you can see the fire in his eyes… He’s pretty much all business…” – Zoltan Mesko, former teammate of Wes Welker"

Do you remember when Cortland Finnegan was the Rams’ number one corner? He had a fairly disappointing tenure in St. Louis after a fast start to the 2012 season, but was eventually cut in favor of up-and-coming corners Janoris Jenkins and Trumaine Johnson. However, if it weren’t for the mentorship of Finnegan, the two corners wouldn’t be as successful as they are now. He taught the two how to go into each and every game with confidence (or in some cases, overconfidence) to shut down and lay the hammer on opposing wide receivers. Although Finnegan was unappreciated, he also gave the Rams defense the feistiness and swagger it has today, something they had been missing during the Steve Spagnuolo-era.

Sep 20, 2015; Landover, MD, USA; St. Louis Rams wide receiver Tavon Austin (11) runs with the ball against the Washington Redskins at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

I believe that Wes Welker can do the same thing with an offense that has been inefficient outside of Todd Gurley and Tavon Austin.

Tavon Austin, the third-year wide receiver out of West Virginia, has been having an absolutely fantastic season so far despite being a part of a consistently bad Rams NFL offense. So far this season, he has 28 receptions for 300 yards and four touchdowns along with 207 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns. He’s also provided a spark on special teams, gaining 162 yards as a punt returner and one touchdown.

Wes Welker can be a Cortland Finnegan to Tavon Austin. They are both short slot receivers that have to rely on their quickness rather than size to make plays. Welker, one of the best route runners in the business, can teach Austin the fine details of getting open and finding soft spots in zones. With Welker on board now, Tavon Austin can elevate his game to the next level and finally meet the lofty expectations of being the eighth overall pick back in 2013.

Welker can also be a prime example of toughness for his teammates. The man has 890 receptions over his career and is significantly smaller than NFL linebackers and safeties. Taking hundreds of hits over the years requires toughness, and Welker had that. He also claims that he is not worried about his concussion history and will play hard to contribute in any way he can.

Ok—that might be perceived as stupidity, but that’s an argument for another day.

Next: Hope