Even before signing DeSean Jackson on Sunday night, the Los Angeles Rams’ receiving corps was one of the best in the NFL. The tandem of Robert Woods and Cooper Kupp ranks up there among the most reliable in football, while Van Jefferson has the potential to be a key contributor, too.
But now with Jackson in tow, the depth chart just got even better – and deeper. He’ll be the fastest receiver on the team, providing the ability to create big plays over the top. That’s something the Rams desperately needed after mostly relying on a dink-and-dunk offense last season.
Jackson’s arrival has some fans worried that Jefferson’s growth will be stunted now. That shouldn’t be the case, however, because he should still be ahead of the veteran on the depth chart.
WR1A: Robert Woods
WR1B: Cooper Kupp
WR3: Van Jefferson
WR4: DeSean Jackson
WR5: Trishton Jackson
Jackson won’t be a full-time player for the Rams. Though Sean McVay rarely uses four-receiver sets, he’ll almost certainly change that in 2021 with Jackson in the picture. He’ll also probably rotate Jackson in at wide receiver, even pulling Woods or Kupp off the field at times.
But don’t expect Jackson to step in as WR3 immediately. This signing isn’t bad news for Jefferson. It wasn’t about his lack of development or the Rams souring on the second-year wideout.
Jackson just adds an element of speed and downfield playmaking that the Rams were previously lacking. I would still expect Kupp and Woods to play at least 85% of the offensive snaps, with Jefferson playing about 65% – slightly less than Josh Reynolds played last season.
Jefferson played 23% as a rookie, which is a good baseline for Jackson. Though because Jackson is a proven player, he’ll probably earn closer to 30% of the snaps when healthy.
And that’s the biggest question with Jackson: Will he be able to stay on the field? He’s played only eight games in the last two years, so he shouldn’t be completely counted on to play a full season.
That’s why Jefferson’s role won’t be impacted dramatically by the arrival of Jackson.
[vertical-gallery id=646535]