Jared Goff will have more quality targets at his disposal this season than most quarterbacks in the NFL thanks to the Rams’ remarkable talent and depth at the skill positions. Cooper Kupp and Robert Woods will sit atop the pecking order, with Tyler Higbee and Gerald Everett contributing at tight end.
Josh Reynolds will presumably be the No. 3 receiver, but Van Jefferson will push for snaps with the starting offense this season, too. He’s received rave reviews in the early part of training camp, both from his coaches and teammates.
On Tuesday, McVay highlighted Jefferson as a rookie who has stood out in practice – and it’s not the first time he’s praised the former Gator.
“Van Jefferson has really done an excellent job these last few days. He’s made a lot of plays. He’s got great ability to be able to work edges on people, separate, good aggressive hands, he’s physical,” McVay said.
Goff echoed his coach’s thoughts, saying that Jefferson has done a great job so far. Rookie receivers can take a little while to develop, but Jefferson’s maturity and experience as a wide receivers coach’s son have him developing quickly.
Goff even likened Jefferson’s progress to Kupp when he was a rookie in 2017, also out of the third round.
“Van has been really good, man. He’s been really good. I say that cautiously because you never want these young guys to get too far ahead of themselves,” Goff said. “But he’s been really impressive and done a good job. It reminds me a lot of when Cooper was a rookie, and he was just so far ahead of where a rookie kind of should be. He’s done a great job. He’s really picking things up fast. He’s obviously extremely athletic, but I think his ability to be able to pick up the offense mentally and understand the little intricacies of it has been really impressive, and I’m excited to play with him.”
Jefferson still has a long way to go and Reynolds has a firm grip on the WR3 spot, but his future in Los Angeles already seems bright – especially if either Kupp or Reynolds leave in free agency next offseason.