LA Rams: Top NFL Draft prospects to replace WR Brandin Cooks

LA Rams pick Easop Winston Jr., WR Washington State

In the last round, LA selects Easop Winston Jr. from Washington State. The Rams take a receiver from college football’s most prolific passing offense under Mike Leach. He would be an immediate fir as a slot receiver or kick returner.

In 2019, Winston caught 85 passes for 970 yards with 11 touchdowns. He averaged 11.4 yards per reception. Winston thrived in the air raid offense that is designed to move the ball downfield.

The Rams appear to be expanding their passing scheme and philosophy. It’s very possible to see four-receiver sets inspired by air raid principles. Creating mismatches to exploit seems to be the direction that the NFL is heading towards.

Winston is a big slot receiver at 6-feet weighing 192 pounds. Cooks stands 5-feet-10 weighing 185 pounds. Expect Winston to be tougher to bring down by opposing tacklers.

Winston did not receive an invitation to the Combine. However, do not underestimate his talent. Braulio Perez of 247sports.com writes the following:

"THINGS HAVE NEVER been easy for Easop Winston Jr. Straight up, he’s been overlooked and doubted his entire life. Not surprising to him, he wasn’t invited to the NFL Combine … All of it just fuels his fire. …"

Winston might be the steal of the draft here in round seven.

In the end, the LA Rams can find excellent receivers in virtually any round of the 2020 NFL Draft. How will the team prioritize when they choose to replenish the roster at wide receiver will be determined during the 2020 NFL Draft.  Let’s see how things work out in the next few weeks.