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Van Jefferson Continues Sophomore Breakout For The Los Angeles Rams

By Jacob Schyvinck

Dec 5, 2021; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Van Jefferson (12) runs the ball against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the first half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 5, 2021; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Van Jefferson (12) runs the ball against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the first half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /
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The second year breakout for wide receiver Van Jefferson is adding more to this already loaded Los Angeles Rams offense. 

It was clear in the offseason that the Los Angeles Rams were ready to upgrade the quarterback position in order to position themselves for another run at a title. They traded away Jared Goff for Matthew Stafford, and that change has paid dividends. Combine that with an unreal season for Cooper Kupp, the addition of Odell Beckham Jr. to ease the loss of Robert Woods, and Sony Michel helping out the running game, and it’s easy to see why the offense is still humming in December.

Even with all of that, the Rams offense is getting even more help. Their sophomore WR, Van Jefferson, has been important to the offense as well. His second-year breakout has been a big help in 2021.

Jefferson was a second round pick in 2021 for the Rams, and the move further bolstered their receiver room at the time. Jefferson was a strong separator in college with all the intangibles needed to create separation along with staying creative and deceptive. He had strong hands and was reliable making plays through contact. He proved these skills at the Senior Bowl, where defensive backs struggled to cover him.

Jefferson only caught 19 passes for the Los Angeles Rams in his rookie season, and averaged just 11.6 yards per reception. In a crowded room, he couldn’t quite gain a foothold as the WR3 behind Woods and Kupp.

It’s been a different story in 2021 for Jefferson. He’s caught 41 passes for 679 yards and six touchdowns, along with a notable uptick to 16.6 yards per catch. Jefferson hasn’t just been a reliable target for Stafford, he’s unlocked his ability to win as a deep threat in the offense. He caught a long touchdown in the opener against Chicago and hasn’t looked back.

Jefferson’s buildup speed looks improved from his time at Florida, and he is able to get behind defenses to win down the field. He’s been very successful on deep targets, and often is the go-to guy when the Rams get into their play action stuff on the call sheet.

He was a factor again in the Rams win over the Cardinals on Monday night, once again catching a long touchdown to open up the scoring in the second half and give momentum right back after the Cardinals tied it up just before the half.

The breakout for Van Jefferson has been crucial for the Los Angeles Rams and is adding that deep threat element. His ability to win down the field and quickly make him a true threat that defense will need to pay attention to on every snap. His abilities should make Rams fans confident that they can go toe-to-toe with anyone in the NFC when the postseason rolls around.

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