Final LA Rams interviews reveal 2020 NFL Draft moves

A replacement for Brandin Cooks?

The LA Rams have been giving away their free agency moves and concerns by who the team chose to speak with so far.  So when the Rams spoke with  Van Jefferson, a 6-foot-1 200-pound wide receiver from Florida, was the team sending a message about Brandin Cooks’ future? Well, Jefferson is especially talented as both a route-runner and as a blocker, both traits are emphasized by the LA Rams for their receivers.

He has been a versatile college receiver. While some project him as a slot receiver, he can line up at any receiver role in the NFL and be expected to catch balls. NFL.com projects him as a backup who can be expected to earn a starting role. Since the Rams have paid plenty for WR Brandin Cooks, they may not have enough money to retain Cooper Kupp when his contract expires in 2021.

The move to a wide receiver in the 2020 NFL Draft makes sense from the depth and current contract situation of the team’s receivers. And Jefferson projects to a day three selection, which is most likely when the Rams will be thinking about developing players for the future. He does not possess noteworthy speed, so the team will need to look elsewhere for a field stretcher. But he is a solid talent projected late in the draft.