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

Barn-burner receiver

The LA Rams definitely sought speed at the receiver position after trading away veteran WR Brandin Cooks. While the debate about just how adequate the speed of either Van Jefferson or Josh Reynolds continues, the Rams signed additional receivers whose speed leaves no uncertainty.

XVIII – Brandon Polk

The LA Rams remained in touch with James Madison University’s wide receiver Brandon Polk during his four-seasons with Penn State University and through his final season at James Madison. He was a seldom-seen player with the Nittany Lions but started his senior season to put up some lofty numbers.  At JMU, the 5-foot-9 180-pound speedster caught 74 passes in 16 games for 1,174 yards and 11 touchdowns.

He also returned 14 kickoffs for 360 yards, good for a 25.7-yard average. In an interview by WHSV.com, Polk shared that the Rams had been in constant communication with him weeks before the NFL Draft, and remained in communication with him up to and after the draft.

"“Punt returner, kick returner is something they needed as well as a receiver,” said Polk. “They got rid of Brandin Cooks, their speed guy, so it definitely felt like that was the spot to go.”- Brandon Polk"

He’s not wrong, as the Rams certainly need competition in all those areas. Oh, did I forget to mention his speed?  He registered a 4.28-second 40-yard dash time. That’s .05 seconds faster than 5-foot-10 185-pound Brandin Cooks’ time. Feeling excited yet? Wait, there’s more!