How WR Davante Adams and Puka Nacua can flourish in the same offense

We are entering a new chapter for the Los Angeles Rams. In some ways, the differences between then and now are quite subtle. In other ways, the differences are significant. Under the more prominent differences is the reality that neither All-Pro defensive lineman Aaron Donald nor All-Pro wide receiver Cooper Kupp is on the Rams roster for 2025.

That is not to say that the team is suddenly void of elite playmakers. While the team is no longer home to familiar faces, the team has added some reputable playmakers who could make huge positive impacts for the team in 2025. It's that very reason that this team has entrusted its success to new faces on the roster that makes this a new and exciting chapter.

There is much that can be discussed about the defense. The Rams seem to have a masterful plan in place so far, with the team rallying around young, energetic pass rushers, buoyed by the stout run defense of newly signed NT Poona Ford. But let's put a pin on that topic and turn to the offensive changes. Specifically, the Rams' aerial assault is taking shape for the 2025 NFL season.

Gone are WRs Cooper Kupp, Demarcus Robinson, and Tyler Johnson. In their place, the team will rely upon Puka Nacua, Davante Adams, Tutu Atwell, Jordan Whittington, and whoever the team may add during this year's draft. Of the group, only Davante Adams is new to the team. But that does not mean that this is the same old offense. The Rams will fill the vacated workload by a combination of Adams' presence, while expanding roles for lesser-used receivers.

First of all, let's take a look at how the Rams might take advantage of Davante Adams in this offense.

The monarch of making separation

The NFL career of wide receiver Davante Adams needs no praise or accolades from me. An 11-year NFL veteran who boasts a career average of catching 63.5 percent of the passes thrown his way, Adams is a six-time Pro Bowler and three-time All-Pro. While he is on the back-nine of his NFL career, he continues to put up over 1000+ receiving yards and eight touchdowns in each of the past two NFL seasons.

Adams is a unique type of wide receiver. Standing 6-foot-1 and weighing 215 pounds, he is an ideal size for his style of receiving. Not one who has competed in an offense with pre-snap motions or bunches of receivers. As a result, he learned how to create separation with an impressive array of jukes, fakes, and head fakes that confuse defensive backs and allow him to create instant separation.

With so much talent, Adams has managed to record 11,844 receiving yards, 583 first downs, and 103 touchdowns in 11 NFL seasons. If you listen to LA Rams HC Sean McVay speak, you cannot dispute the fact that he views Devante Adams as a dangerous offensive weapon for the Rams offense:

Adams brings a new and different skill set to the offense. Whereas the Rams had multiple receivers on the roster last year who showcased precision route running with perfectly-timed passes from veteran QB Matthew Stafford, the presence of Davante Adams on the roster this season adds an entirely new set of offensive plays.

Adams can benefit from pre-snap motion, but he won't rely upon it. And that allows this offense to mix in new strategies. But that does more than add a new dimension to this offense. It amplifies the tried and true gifts of the next weapon at HC Sean McVay's disposal.