The NFL is a cruel, cutthroat business and as much as I love Demarcus Robinson, it’s time for the Rams to once again turn to the youth.
Jordan Whittington’s emergence has confirmed a belief that many have had in the Texas Longhorn – the belief that he’s NFL-ready. In the last two preseason games, Whittington has turned in 11 catches for 126 yards from 18 targets.
Robinson can and should be a productive player but Whittington’s youth, physicality, and desire can not be quantified into numerical metrics but those factors lead to wins.
Teams wither late in games and Whittington has all the tools to punish defensive backs over four quarters.
Whittington’s work as a pass catcher is impressive enough but what he has over Robinson is a bigger frame, better blocking ability, and the mindset of running through a player’s face every time he has the ball in his hands.
By establishing Whittington as the team’s WR3, he will get critical reps early in his career, he’ll be a massive headache for defensive coordinators and it will keep Robinson fresh so the vet can utilize his blistering pace without getting fatigued.
The best way to prepare someone for the big time is to throw them into the fire. If the Rams are to make a deep postseason run, they’re gonna need Whittington.
And the team is going to need Robinson too. Less wear and tear on a vet is never a bad thing. Most importantly, if anything should happen to Puka Nacua or Cooper Kupp, having a receiver ready to step up is the difference between success and an early exit.
Sean McVay has always been a believer in youth, especially at the receiver position. Why fix something that isn’t broken?