Rams can no longer run and hide from rookie weapons as it's on them for Week 3

The LA Rams love to add sparkly shiny rookies in the offseason. And yet, when season rolls around, there are many reasons not to play them. Whether it's the game itself, with a closely competitive score that is too embedded with the heat of competition to be played in a pressure cooker. But on other occasions, it's simply a flavor that does not tempt the palette of the head coach.

Whatever the reasons, the results are the same. Disappointment that the team has not gotten much work out of their offensive weapons added during the 2024 NFL Draft.

We have been down this road before. Rookies are not easily incorporated into this offense, not unless the team finds itself painted into a corner. Then, miracles seem to happen. We know that rookie WR Puka Nacua had a record-setting rookie season. But if not for Cooper Kupp's injury in Week 1, does anyone think that Nacua would still have broken the NFL rookie receiver records?

Sometimes the challenge for this team is merely an opportunity for another player. I think the series of events that ultimately led to rookie Beaux Limmer taking up residence as the team's new starting center could eventually be a blessing in disguise. I think Limmer is an ideal NFL center. But with injuries to WR Cooper Kupp, Puka Nacua, and TE Tyler Higbee, do the Rams have some rookies waiting in the wings who can step up and exceed expectations?

I would love to think so. After all, the team did invest in rookie running back Blake Corum on Day 2, A draft pick in Round 3 is undeniably a valuable draft pick.

Best player available? Perhaps. But only if the Rams bring Corum into this offense and give him carries. The value of a bench player, no matter where in the draft that player was selected, remains zero.