Are the St. Louis Rams Gunning For Sammy Watkins?
By Erik Lambert
Oct 26, 2013; College Park, MD, USA; Clemson Tigers wide receiver Sammy Watkins (2) tackled following his catch by Maryland Terrapins defensive back William Likely (4) at Byrd Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports
Sam Bradford is set to return for the St. Louis Rams, hopefully with more weapons waiting for him. Could Sammy Watkins be one them?
Kenny Britt signing grants Jeff Fisher the big target need for Rams
St. Louis entered the 2014 off-season with clear objectives in mind. Among the most pressing was upgrading their offensive firepower, particularly in the passing game. If head coach Jeff Fisher was ever going to get a definitive answer on the Sam Bradford question, then he has to make sure the Rams offense was heavy on talent. A key position they wanted to fill was a big wide receiver, one of those types who can go up and get the football in contested situations from defenders. Initially rumors persisted they might be in play for 6’5″ Texas A&M star Mike Evans in the draft. That theory took a sizable hit when the team came to terms with former Titans receiver Kenny Britt. Despite his falling out with his old team the 6’3″ 25-year old from Rutgers has flashed obvious talent through a troubled early career. By reuniting with the coach who drafted him in Fisher, the hope is that Britt can realize the potential that made him so enticing in the first place.
Watkins and Tavon Austin would dazzle defenses with their speed
With him adding the size element for the St. Louis Rams offense, they really only have one slot left to fill before they’re ready to take on the 2014 season. Britt certainly has his advantages but in reality he’s not a go-to receiver, at least not yet. Go-to receivers are the guys who can make big catches regardless of the situation, whether it’s 1st and 10 following the opening kickoff for 4th and goal with 13 seconds left in the game. They are the guys the quarterback always looks to first, the players who make the big catches when the chips are down. That is why it is hard not to see the Rams have serious interest in Sammy Watkins now. The Clemson star is easily the best receiver in this draft class. Everything about his game from the vision to the agility, toughness and hands are all in place. However what separates him from the field is his combination of size (6’1″) and speed. One can imagine what it would be like for the Rams if they put Watkins on the outside with Tavon Austin in the slot. Throw Britt and his big body on the other end and suddenly Sam Bradford has a host of talented weapons for defenses to struggle with.
Part of building a successful offense is the willingness to do it in stages. The first step might be complete for the St. Louis Rams by adding Kenny Britt. If the course holds true, Sammy Watkins could be next.