7 underdog LA Rams UDFAs who have real shot to earn roster spot

Return Specialist Brandon Polk

Many asked why the LA Rams were willing to trade veteran speedy wide receiver Brandin Cooks in the off-season. Can you believe that they got faster at the position?  Well, it seems that the team did exactly that as soon as they signed up wide receiver Brandon Polk. For now, I’ve limited his contribution to special teams as a return specialist, but he could prove to be much more once the team has an opportunity to see him run routes and catch passes.

While he is just 5-foot-9 and 180-pounds, he simply outruns coverages with his blinding 4.28-second 40-yard dash. That’s fast, faster than even the 4.33-second 40-yard dash time of former Rams wide receiver Branon Cooks. And that speed can be used effectively in so many ways by head coach Sean McVay and special teams coordinator John Bonamego.

Recruited to the Rams?

The interesting fact about Polk is that in the weeks leading up to the draft, the Rams were in frequent communication with him. That’s hardly the type of action a team takes for a player the team intended to draft. Instead, it’s the type of action a team takes to attract the interest of a priority free agent signed after the 2020 NFL Draft, which is exactly what the Rams did.  Of course, during those frequent conversations, the team sold Polk on the likelihood of using him in the return game as well as an option as a receiver.

As a receiver, he is dangerous. In his senior year, he caught 79 passes for 1,179 yards and 11 touchdowns. While that’s impressive enough, he could be even more dangerous as a return specialist. He averaged nearly 26 yards on kickoff returns and the Rams certainly will be interested in improving in both the punt and kickoff return areas.  Since he is a multi-dimensional threat in so many ways, he could sneak onto the Rams roster. If he does, he’ll be a lot of fun to watch!