With Puka Nacua now week-to-week, who should step up on Rams roster?

(3) - Xavier Smith

While you may not initially equate the absence of 6-foot-2 212-pound wide receiver Puka Nacua as a golden opportunity for 5-foot-9, 173-pound wide receiver, there are solid reasons to give him his shot. In terms of standing out as an epicenter of positive playmaking in training camp, WR Xaver Smith is among the leaders in the wide receiver room in that department.

He has been getting as many positive reports out of the Rams training camp as anyone, and has been catching practically everything that has been thrown his way. The key to getting more from him is to give him more opportunities. Ergo, he should be in the conversation for a larger role. And he is ready.

But another unique characterstic that expading his role in this offense is the range of offensive plays that open up. With Xavier Smith on the football field with Tutu Atwell, the Rams can begin sending both receivers deep to clear out the secondary, and then target either WR Cooper Kupp or Demarcus Robinson on short to intermediate routes. And can any defense truly justify an eight-man box to stop the run with Xavier Smith and his jets on the football field?

WR Tutu Atwell is on the last year of his rookie contract. Giving Xavier Smith a larger role in this offense now not only solve the gap of receivers on the football field for now, but could play a vital part in determining a successor to Atwell if he is not back with the team in 2025.