LA Rams: 5 players whose stock is on the rise after OTAs

LA Rams News Rams Roster Jacob Harris Calvin Johnson — Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

TE Harris

The LA Rams may not be certain of exactly what they have in their new rookie tight end Jacob Harris, but they are feeling more and more confident that he could prove to be something very special in the NFL. In fact, there are messages between the lines already of what the Rams coaches are saying about the rookie:

Sean McVay on Jacob Harris as an all-over tight end or in-line tight end: "It's a little bit too soon (to determine), but what would I would say is the smart thing would be if he can play in a variety of spots, that's going to be the way we can put the most pressure on people."
— Stu Jackson (@StuJRams) June 11, 2021

That places an awful lot of pressure on a rookie who truly hasn’t had a robust amount of football experience prior to being drafted by the Rams. In fact, that is one of the main reasons why he fell in the draft. His potential boasts an incredibly high ceiling. But he arrived as a very inexperienced and positionless NFL rookie. That allows the organization the opportunity to develop and mold the young man in several directions.

Sean McVay didn’t blink in providing his rationale when I asked about TE Jacob Harris taking ones reps all week since Tyler Higbee is not practicing - rare air for a rookie fourth-rounder even with a starter’s absence. Of Harris, he says, “He’s earned it.”
— Jourdan Rodrigue (@JourdanRodrigue) June 11, 2021

We were out there stating that this guy could someday develop into Megatron 2.0 from his measurables alone, and now others are following suit. Does he deserve it? You bet. He’s got great potential. But he’s not there just yet. In fact, his journey towards that lofty level of NFL production is only on the first steps.

But Harris has so much potential in this Rams offense. His height, his speed, his ability to adjust to the ball in the air, and the fact that he is catching passes from Matthew Stafford, all have the promise of a very adept scoring threat in the offense that is desperate to find a red-zone weapon.

Now, don’t come all apart because we are daring to point to the apex of a young hugely talented rookie long before he has earned his place in the NFL record books. Yes, he could falter and never develop. But we expect that to be part of the reader’s filter. Could be is not anywhere close to being Will be. But realistically speaking, how many rookies have this type of welcome into the NFL?

On Jacob Harris:

“Harris has become a “special project” player for both tight ends coach Wes Phillips — with whom Harris is constantly in orbit receiving instruction — and head coach Sean McVay, who has taken extra time with the rookie during drills on more than one occasion. “ https://t.co/ZsqbdR4nBW
— Derek Brown (@DBro_FFB) June 15, 2021

It’s safe to say that the Rams organization believes that tight end Jacob Harris is a special player.

How will Harris handle all of this hype, attention, optimism, and lofty expectations? Well, there is the rub, isn’t it? He has to earn the coaches’ and his teammates’ respect, crack the roster, earn offensive snaps, demonstrate his ability to make plays, earn the trust of these coaches and teammates, and then go out and produce well and meet or exceed those lofty expectations. Easy? Not in the least.

But it can be done, Emerging from OTAs, that is about all you can take away. Positive buzz.

TE Harris

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