There were several reasons the Rams traded Brandin Cooks to the Houston Texans, including the fact that they were able to recoup a second-round pick while simultaneously shedding themselves of his pricey contract. But one of the primary factors in all of this was the Rams’ confidence in Josh Reynolds as a starting-caliber receiver.
With Cooks out of the picture, it allows Reynolds to step in as the No. 3 receiver alongside Robert Woods and Cooper Kupp. The Rams could obviously add a wideout in the draft, too, but as of now, it’ll be Reynolds taking over as the third receiver.
Sean McVay said on a conference call Tuesday that trading Cooks was a big vote of confidence for Reynolds.
“In a lot of ways, it’s a big vote of confidence to what we feel like Josh is capable of, of continuing to ascend to,” McVay said. “He’s stepped in and been a starter and he’s got the ability to play really our X or Z, he can play in the slot. I think, really, we just feel like he’s a capable starting receiver if you’re getting into some of those three-receiver sets.”
Reynolds replaced Kupp in the starting lineup two years ago when Kupp tore his ACL and missed half the season. That year, Reynolds had 29 catches for 402 yards and five touchdowns in the regular season, and another eight catches for 121 yards in the playoffs.
Late last season, the Rams steered away from 11 personnel a bit and leaned more on their tight ends, which kept only two receivers on the field. It’s possible we’ll see that continue in 2020, especially with Cooks traded. But when the Rams do trot out their 11 personnel packages, Reynolds will be ready.