LA Rams News: 22 UDFA complete analysis post-2020 NFL Draft

Two Next-Gen passers

One area of particular concern was the LA Rams lack of quarterback depth heading into the 2020 NFL Draft, but failing to address the position despite nine picks. The matter was urgent enough to call for the Rams to address the oversight within 48 hours.  The Rams, however, had other ideas and chose to sign two quarterbacks immediately following the 2020 NFL Draft: San Jose State QB Josh Love, and Virginia QB Bryce Perkins.  That set up a heated three-player competition for the backup quarterback role, a competition which will likely not be decided until the team pares the roster to the 55 man season limit.

XIV- Josh Love

The LA Rams selection of San Jose State quarterback Josh Love truly excited a number of high-quality draft scouts. After all, he was a player many draft profiles projected as high as round five, and for good reason. The 6-foot-2 205-pound San Jose State University starting quarterback began his collegiate football career as a walk-on recruit. The majority of his collegiate production occurred in his final two seasons when he completed 455 of 770 passes for 5,884 yards and 36 touchdowns to just 17 interceptions. He remains calm in the pocket and can throw to a spot knowing his receiver can get there to make the catch. He has a crisp passing motion and can put some zip on the ball. He is a solid version to support Jared Goff, as both have similar styles even down to not a threat to run. The Rams snagged a quarterback after the draft who many expected to be chosen in round five.

XV – Bryce Perkins

The LA Rams definitely went off-script when the team chose to sign dual-threat Virginia quarterback Bryce Perkins. At least, that is what you might initially think until you begin to connect some dots. Perkins was the 6-foot-3 215-pound starting quarterback for the University of Virginia at the same time that offensive coordinator Kevin O’Connell was onboarding Washington Redskins dual-threat rookie quarterback Dwayne Haskins. It was likely that experience and the plays created for Haskins with persuaded new Rams OC O’Connell to pitch for dual-threat rookie quarterback Bryce Perkins.  After all, he demonstrated incredible innovation with Haskins in late-season games and likely wishes to repeat that success with the LA Rams

Perkins unlocks entirely new offensive play concepts for the LA Rams, particularly if the team struggles to block effectively in the running game.  In just two NCAA seasons, he registered 6,210 yards passing, 47 touchdowns, and just 21 interceptions. But he is doubly dangerous when you factor in his ability to rush for 1,692 yards and an additional 20 touchdowns. He even caught a pass for nine yards.  That type of dual-threat from the quarterback is the Achilles heel for defenses like that of the San Francisco 49ers, which depend on a fast rush to the fixed pocket passer quarterback. Since the defense relies upon a hurried throw, they are very susceptible to quarterback scrambles and a passer who can extend plays with their feet.  Perkins must improve his deep throws over time, but he has plenty of intriguing potential in the Rams offense to raise some eyebrows.