Expectations High for Jared Goff after Sammy Watkins Trade
By Erik Lambert
The Los Angeles Rams know their potential future hinges on the development and success of quarterback Jared Goff, which isn’t surprising.
When a team trades up from the mid-teens to #1 overall for a QB, they clearly believe in him. It’s also why they fired Jeff Fisher and why they hired Sean McVay. They believe the young coach, who had great success in Washington with Kirk Cousins, is just the sort of fresh breeze they needed to jump start Goff towards becoming the franchise guy he can be in L.A.
What isn’t getting them enough credit though is the total revamping of the wide receiving corps. Something they’ve managed over the past few months. It started with the signing of Robert Woods back in March. That was quickly followed by the drafting of underrated standouts Cooper Kupp and Josh Reynolds in the 3rd and 4th rounds respectively. Of course this doesn’t include 2nd round tight end Gerald Everett as well.
Yet somehow the Rams saved their boldest move for a couple days ago. That’s when they traded for former Buffalo Bills 1st rounder Sammy Watkins.
Jared Goff expectation elevated after WR overhaul
Despite his history of struggle with injuries, it’s felt this could be a huge trade for L.A. Watkins has been productive when healthy. Together with the other receivers acquired this has a chance to become an intriguing offense. According to Bill Barnwell of ESPN among others, expectations are higher than ever for Goff.
"“As the Rams try to build some sort of offensive infrastructure for the 2016 first overall pick, it’s hard to imagine their acquiring a better receiver to work with than Watkins, who averaged 80.5 receiving yards per game while healthy in 2015, good for what would be nearly 1,300 receiving yards over a 16-game campaign. While Watkins hasn’t lived up to the draft-day trade that saw the Bills deal two first-round picks to move up and acquire him ahead of Mike Evans and Odell Beckham Jr. in 2014, injuries have been the problem, not talent.”"
Sometimes a fresh start with a new team can ignite a career for a young player. No doubt the Rams are hoping this is the case with Watkins. Being in a more pass-oriented offense like the one McVay is installing could be just the ticket. Goff is known for his accurate passing. He’s likely more comfortable in an offense that features a higher volume of throws. Similar to what he had at Cal.
Given the array of speedy targets he now has including Watkins, Everett and Tavon Austin the big play potential is off the charts for this unit.