LA Rams 2020 NFL Draft class saving the day like the cavalry

Round 2 Pick 57: Van Jefferson

The Rams chose a mature receiver from the second round of the draft with some elite route-running skills at 57 when they named Florida’s Van Jefferson. His college career was one of surprising speed, crisp routes, and an uncanny ability to get open, which is very similar to that of LA Rams veteran wide receiver Cooper Kupp.  Jefferson suffered an injury that flagged him and prevented NFL teams from getting a true reading on his speed at the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine.  Still, the similarities with Kupp are undeniable. Not only do they share route-running skills but they were both 24 when their rookie season started.

Another weird fact about how much these two have in common? Everything from their arm length, to height and hand size, is either an inch or less apart.

Stat wise Jefferson didn’t have anywhere near the production that Kupp had in college. While Kupp was breaking records, the University of Florida offense embraced a share-the-ball philosophy,  which translated into Jefferson seeing fewer targets and reducing his yard totals.

Even with fewer targets in college, Jefferson still should have the ability to make a massive leap in receiving totals in the NFL. I expect a 700- 800 yard average per season. While he has the ability to crack over 1,000 yards,  it doesn’t help him that Cooper Kupp and Robert Woods are both topped the 1,000 yards receiving mark last year and that three receivers doing so in a single season are a hard thing to do.

Expect him to compete as e a backup this first year behind Josh Reynolds but should see starter reps his second year in the league. Sean McVay loves precision in his route runners and Jefferson should fit in well.

If you want the full breakdown of Van Jefferson, just click here to see his full profile.