There was a lot of buzz surrounding Rams rookie Van Jefferson during training camp, with praise coming from all directions in Thousand Oaks. His route running was lauded, his football acumen was a hot topic and his rapid development in a short period had many wondering how quickly he would overtake Josh Reynolds as the team’s No. 3 receiver.
It hasn’t been the rookie season that some people expected out of the Florida product, but his arrow is still pointing up. His lack of playing time (184 snaps, 20.2%) is the result of the talent ahead of him on the depth chart, not anything he’s done wrong himself.
Sean McVay’s confidence in the No. 57 overall pick hasn’t wavered in the last seven months and he still believes Jefferson will be a star for the Rams.
“He’s just got a great feel for the game. I think he’s wired to separate. He’s got all those intangible traits and characteristics that you’re looking for and he’s really taken everything in,” McVay told reporters Thursday. “He’s got some great veterans in that room with Robert Woods and Cooper Kupp and Josh Reynolds to be able to set a good example and (WRs coach) Eric Yarber is an outstanding coach. I think this guy is going to be a real star for us. I think he’s got an extremely bright future. I love the way he’s handled himself. I know I could be doing a better job of finding ways to get him more involved, because he’s definitely deserving of that. But we’ve got a great deal of confidence in what his future looks like and hopefully he’ll continue to make an impact for us as we finish up this season.”
Jefferson has played more in the last two weeks as McVay works to get him involved in the offense down the stretch – something the coach said he wanted to do with both Jefferson and Cam Akers after the Week 9 bye. He played 40 snaps in Week 13 and another 19 last week, both of which were his most since Week 2.
With four quality receivers on the roster and two dynamic tight ends, it’s difficult to find opportunities to get the rookie on the field. But next year, his role could grow significantly. Reynolds is set to be a free agent, as is Gerald Everett. If both players depart, Jefferson’s playing time should increase noticeably.
For now, he’ll try to make plays in limited action and show he can be a playmaker for years to come in L.A.
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