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Los Angeles Rams: 4 rookies to watch in the NFC West

By Steve Rivera

GAINESVILLE, FL - SEPTEMBER 16: John Kelly #4 of the Tennessee Volunteers runs for a 34-yard touchdown over David Reese #33 of the Florida Gators during the second half of their game at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on September 16, 2017 in Gainesville, Florida. (Photo by Scott Halleran/Getty Images)
GAINESVILLE, FL - SEPTEMBER 16: John Kelly #4 of the Tennessee Volunteers runs for a 34-yard touchdown over David Reese #33 of the Florida Gators during the second half of their game at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on September 16, 2017 in Gainesville, Florida. (Photo by Scott Halleran/Getty Images) /
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GAINESVILLE, FL – OCTOBER 14: Christian Kirk #3 of the Texas A&M Aggies rushes for yardage during the game against the Florida Gators at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on October 14, 2017 in Gainesville, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)
GAINESVILLE, FL – OCTOBER 14: Christian Kirk #3 of the Texas A&M Aggies rushes for yardage during the game against the Florida Gators at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on October 14, 2017 in Gainesville, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images) /

Without question, the absolute steal of the 2018 NFL Draft, and one sure to have gotten the attention of the Los Angeles Rams, was the selection of UCLA quarterback Josh Rosen. Rosen, sooner than a lot may think, will eventually segue into the starting job in Arizona, giving them a potential franchise type player at the most critical position in the league.

But he’s not the only player they might have struck gold with. As the Cardinals are also experiencing some age issues, they made two key picks that keep them within striking distance of the two clear cut leaders in San Francisco and in Los Angeles.

Besides Rosen, the Rams will have to contend with wide receiver Christian Kirk from Texas A&M. Kirk will be a player the Cardinals use to build around first Sam Bradford, but not before too long, Rosen.

He’s also a player who is the bridge to a new future as aging receiver Larry Fitzgerald is closer to end of his career than the beginning.

Age has become apparent in Arizona, as quarterback Carson Palmer retired, and fellow AARP offensive backfield mate Adrian Peterson is also either at or near the end of his career.

In Rosen and Kirk, the Cardinals have sent a message that they aren’t necessarily rebuilding as they are in Seattle, but merely retooling. Both picks get Arizona closer to the top than the bottom. Not likely this season, but looking at 2019 and certainly beyond.

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