5 Rams who are locking up versatile roles after preseason Week 2

(4) - PR/WR Xavier Smith

While it had to happen sometime, veteran wide receiver Xavier Smith's 'perfect' streak of catching every pass that was thrown his way with second pass thrown to him in Game 2. That pass was thrown low and a bit behind him, forcing Smith to slow down and crouch in an attempt to make the catch. But a defender got his hand in the play, forcing an incompletion.

So how does that earn Smith a spot on this list?

Funny you should ask. You see, Xavier Smith caught all four passes thrown his was in Game 1 for 22 receiveing yards. While he only caught five of eight passes thrown his way in Game 2, he tacked on 45 receiving yards in this one. And one of the incompletions thrown late in the game on a third down and four yards to go drew a penalty flag for pass interference, resulting in a 17-yard penalty. The result of that penalty set the offense up on a first down and 10 yards to go on the Chargers 47-yard line.

Stetson Bennett connected with WR JJ Laap for a 47-yard touchdown pass on the very next play.

Xavier Smith was a different role in this game. Unlike Game 1, when he averaged just 5.5 yards per catch, he ran longer routes in this one, averaging 9.0 yards per catch. Deeper routes are inherently less certain, but Smith still made six of the eight passes into positive plays (this includes the pass interference play that gained 17 yards).

And Xavier Smith was geared up and ready for a larger role in this game.

It was an outstanding performance for the young receiver. Now in his second season with the team, he is starting to demonstrate his mastery of the WR role.

But this is not 'just' about what he brings to the offense. He is a force to be reckoned with on special teams as well. In Game 1, he returned two kickoffs for a total of 47 yards. In Game 2, he returned two punts for 50 yards, including one kickoff for 34 yards. Smith has deceptive elusiveness and speed, and he showcases both when his hands touch the football.

He is dangerous with the football, whether that is on offense or special teams.