Five Takeaways from LA Rams 2021 NFL Draft

A special focus on special teams

3. Why did the Rams take so many special teams players in this draft?

There was a definite undercurrent to the Rams’ draft choices this year to take players who might contribute on special teams.

For all intents and purposes, when they drafted Atwell, it was a strong signal, a draft hot across the bow to their existing punt returner Nsimba Webster that maybe he needs to do better, Indeed, the entire special teams unit of the Rams needs to do better. So the Rams drafted some moldable clay in the hopes of improving their special teams play this season. They are ready to start over with a blank canvas.

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After all, this team is on its third special teams’ coordinator in as many years. It’s a good idea to check for Visqueen on the floor before you walk into McVay’s office for a little chat when you’re the Rams’ ST coach.

Their pick of the running back Jake Funk, out of Maryland was a 100% special teams-driven move. He’s not going to break into the backfield anytime soon with Akers, Henderson, and Jones already in the fold. And then there are two ACL surgeries on the same knee to consider for Funk. He’s destined for ST, that is if he makes the roster at all.

And when the Rams drafted TE/ WR Jacob Harris, they said they did so, in part, with the expectation he would contribute immediately on special teams. In fact, he was their top-ranked special-teamer on the board when he was drafted. And new special teams coach Joe DeCamillis just happens to be very familiar with Harris.

Bottom line: DeCamillis wanted his guy, and the Rams went out and got him.