LA Rams 2020 NFL Draft rookie floor/ceiling: Van Jefferson

Facing the loss of 2 WRs in 2021, the LA Rams chose an impact WR from the 2020 NFL Draft, Florida’s Van Jefferson, who makes perfect sense

With the 57th pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, the LA Rams selected a very competent wide receiver, Van Jefferson, out of the University of Florida.  Lewis is a 6-foot-1, 200-pound receiver with almost elite level route running ability. Many expected the Rams to select a player from a different position at 57. And even with a pick at wide receiver, the Rams had plenty of talented players to choose from at 57. So why wide receiver there, and why Van Jefferson?

For starters, Jefferson is a legacy player following in the footsteps of his father, Shawn Jefferson, who himself was drafted as a wide receiver by the Houston Oilers in 1991. During his career, Shawn Jefferson made two Super Bowl appearances, losing both. Jefferson would eventually hang up his cleats and transition as a wide receivers’ coach. He was instrumental in developing his son’s route running ability as he knew what it took to succeed in the NFL.

By watching Jefferson’s play we can see those players who played in the NFL who most resemble him and his style of play. Next, we can use that information to project to see what he can become. First, let’s look at his basic attributes. Then looking at we know we can use it to project a comp for both their floor and ceiling.

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Basic Attributes

-Great route runner

-Lack of burst speed, likely due to foot injury

-Undeveloped run blocker

-Great hands

-Legacy player

Ceiling-Cooper Kupp

Size-wise everything on Jefferson is an inch or less different compared to Cooper Kupp. Jefferson didn’t have the same collegiate production as Kupp did but his play shows a remarkable number of similarities. While neither receiver is a burner they create separation with their elite route running. This is great for sneaking behind a defense or finding open spaces in zones.

It also means that Rams quarterback Jared Goff can trust the receiver to be where he is throwing the ball. With a pretty filled out route-running tree, head coach Sean McVay isn’t limited in the passing game at all with these receivers at his disposal.

While fans and draft profiles sought “production” in college to assess a receiver, the Rams scouting department had a completely different measuring device for their selection. It’s clear that the Rams wanted to bring a rookie onboard who was most like their two most successful receivers. In the team’s own assessment of Jefferson, he is very much like the combination of Robert Woods and Cooper Kupp.

Since both Robert Woods and Cooper Kupp are 2019 1000 yard receivers, that’s a pretty good company for a rookie. And with the Rams facing expiring contracts on both Kupp and Josh Reynolds in 2021, the Rams have plenty of incentive to fast-track Jefferson’s development this season.

Floor-Adam Humphries

A decent slot receiver with modest production,5-foot-11 196-pound Tampa Bay WR Adam Humphries was on the smaller side of NFL receivers but had been very serviceable throughout his 5-season NFL career. While Humphries had a slow rookie season, which Jefferson could have due to a full receiving room, he still averaged 540 yards and two touchdowns per season for his career.

With Jefferson’s production in college, it might be no surprise that he might also have lower receiving numbers for his career.  Of course, quarterbacks play a significant role in a receiver’s career. At the University of Florida, Jefferson was on the receiving end of passes thrown by either Felipe Franks or Kyle Trask, neither of whom are atop NFL scouting reports as college quarterbacks to prioritize in the NFL Draft.

The Florida Gators offense rotates receivers and distributes the ball. That makes it very difficult for a receiver to gain 1000 yards receiving. In fact, the last Florida receiver to do so was Taylor Jacobs, who caught over 1000 yards in 2002.  That background information no doubt played a large role in the Rams selection process.

Final Projection

Van Jefferson will more than likely be serviceable to a very productive receiver. The Rams current receivers are well rounded, good in the pass AND run. The Rams receivers take great pride in their ability to block, so Jefferson will need to step up his blocking to be successful in McVay’s scheme. Also, his lack of production at the SEC college level is a little worrisome for the jump to the pros.

Still, Van Jefferson truly stood out at the 2020 Senior Bowl, much like Washington Redskin’s rookie receiver Terry McLaurin did the season before.  Initially, I ranked Jefferson as a tweener, a 5-8 year NFL career receiver whose average runs between 700-800 yards a season.  Then, after comparing his senior bowl assessment, and his play in big games, that projection improved a bit.  He has the potential to deliver on all fronts, particularly in a receiver-centered offense like that of the LA Rams.

Keep in mind that Rams offensive coordinator Kevin O’Connell was the offensive coordinator who masterminded the sensational rookie debut of McLaurin.  Now, O’Connell is once more in a position to convert the Senior Bowl’s most impressive receiver into an NFL rookie star.  While the Rams have a deep receiver room, Jefferson has the potential to shine for the Rams in some games.  But regardless of his rookie receiving yards, he NEEDS to improve his blocking.