Chase Blackburn can cement special in special teams with 1 of 3 Rams stars

When the Los Angeles Rams hired Special Team Coordinator Chase Blackburn, the team had wiped the slate clean. Gone were veteran placekicker Matt Gay, punter Riley Dixon, long snapper Matthew Orzech, and return specialist Brandon Powell. When Blackburn arrived, the team had cleared the decks of all former special team specialists.

Whether you view that as a good thing or a bad thing is inconsequential. It is the history of the team. And that set the stage for the Rams' new ST Coordinator to rebuild the roster to his specifications, brick by brick, player by player. And Blackburn was up to the challenge.

In his maiden voyage as the Rams' ST Coordinator, Blackburn went right to work. He personally scouted Wingate punter Ethan Evans, ensuring that the Rams fixated on him in the 2023 NFL Draft. He also ensured that the team had a quality long snapper in signing UCF rookie LS Alex Ward. And he even staged a training camp competition between undrafted rookie kickers Christopher Dunn and Tanner Brown.

Evans and Ward earned roster spots on the Rams roster. Neither Dunn nor Brown were able to do so.

In 2024, Blackburn was at it again, this time pointing the front office at placekicker Joshua Karty. Karty had to fight through some rough spots in his rookie season, but when it came to the NFL Playoffs, he was perfect. Karty boomed all four field goals and all five extra points. Chip shots? Not close. He hoofed three field goals from 30-39 yards and one field goal from 40-49 yards in the NFL Playoffs. But was he accurate at long range?

In 2024, Karty made six of seven field goals over 50+ yards. That's impressive. In former kicker Matt Gay's entire time with the Rams, he kicked 12 of 15 field goals over 50+ yards. So just push a pin in that distance, as Karty is already on track to match the power of Gay in just his second season.

But what about returning punts and kickoffs? The team allowed WR Xavier Smith to handle punt returns in 2024, averaging 9.3 yards per return. On kickoffs, the team toggled between RB Blake Corum (26.6 yards per return) and WR Jordan Whittington (28.3 yards per return). But are there better options lining up for the team in 2025?

Option 3

The Rams added several solid competitors who could be deployed as returners. The Rams' newest running back, Jarquez Hunter, has experience as a punt returner, has both the power and speed to be incredibly intriguing in the role, And the team has made it a point to dabble the toes of offensive rookies on special teams to get them used to competing at the NFL level.

Opton 2

For that matter, rookie wide receiver Konata Mumpfield is special in his ability to control his tempo and contort his body to optimize yards gained whenever he touches the football. While he was not given a strong role in special teams, he did handle punts and kickoffs to a minor degree. He could be installed in the Rams as a returner if the team wants to ensure he touches the football.

Option 1

Of course, the favorite to win a starting role on the team is former Philadelphia Eagles star punt returner Britain Covey. He was outstanding for the Eagles in 2023, averaging 14.3 yards per punt return and returning one kickoff for 30 yards. He is a bit of an upgrade because he does more than return punts. He will run under the punt and take it on a full run. That is truly a sight to behold, and is something I hope Rams fans get to see in 2025.

Other players could play a factor in special teams this season. The obvious favorite is Britain Covey. But my sleeper for a special-teams return role is RB Jarquez Hunter. He has the power, speed, and elusiveness that scream touches.

If he can't crack the rotation at running back, look for him to stand out on special teams.

As always, thanks for reading.

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