7 steps to get the LA Rams to the Super Bowl this year

VI. Be sure to integrate redshirted weapons

This year, the LA Rams must get Van Jefferson and Brycen Hopkins integrated into the offense quickly. Do you recall who they are? The LA Rams drafted Senior Bowl standout wide receiver, Van Jefferson, with the 57th pick out of the University of Florida. They added tight end, Brycen Hopkins, with the 136th pick out of Purdue University.

The Rams sought to add weapons to the roster, not only to compensate for trading away WR Brandin Cooks but to ensure that skill positions were well-stocked for the 2021 NFL season.  While they didn’t exactly get rolled into the offensive rotation, they will certainly contribute this year.

Redshirts reward opportunities

So what will they contribute? Van Jefferson is faster than many expect but runs crisp routes. While that didn’t translate into a volley of balls thrown his way, he did begin to be targetted in 2020 and even scored his first NFL touchdown. He carried that over into a six for seven, 46 yards, and one touchdown performance in the NFL playoffs.

Brycen Hopkins did not get the chance to contribute in 2020, but he will certainly do so in 2021. He is a big-bodied target, standing 6-foot-4 and weighing 245 pounds.  He is a natural receiver, a player who made the hard catches look very routine at Purdue. Right now, he is an unknown to the NFL, but very familiar to the LA Rams. I expect that the Rams will try to work him with QB Stafford as early and as often as they can for that very reason.