:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/54569227/630504118.0.jpg)
The Los Angeles Rams just finished their first draft class under new Head Coach Sean McVay in the 2017 NFL Draft. Based off of who the team added to the roster, here are four veteran players who benefit the most from the new rookie class.
QB Jared Goff
This one is a no-brainer. After finishing the season with the worst offense in the NFL, Les Snead and Co. targeted more offensive weapons for the former first overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft. TE Gerald Everett, WR Cooper Kupp, and WR Josh Reynolds are not only some of the largest targets on the roster now but also could provide much needed red zone skill for a QB who badly needs help.
OT Greg Robinson
In what may have been the biggest upset of the draft, the Rams didn't select one offensive lineman. Many fans and experts have dubbed this group as the worst unit on the entire team. Offensive Line coach Aaron Kromer played a huge role in the absence of OL picks, stating he wanted to badly work with the current group of OL. Robinson is the biggest beneficiary because of this, getting to hold onto his starting gig(for now) with an opportunity to get specific on-hands training and teaching.
TE Tyler Higbee
The Gerald Everett selection sent many fans wondering what will happen to Higbee. Many even thought this was a wasted 2016 pick now. Adding an athletic TE/WR is more an extension of McVay’s offense than a move that puts Higbee on the backburner. Higbee can be the Vernon Davis to Everett’s Jordan Reed. And as last year proved the league-wide myth, rookie TEs often struggle to produce. With Lance Kendricks gone, Higbee will be relied upon more than ever as Everett adjusts to the NFL.
CB Trumaine Johnson
Let’s not get it twisted. Tru is already winning. He’s getting paid. With the Rams having elected to skip CB in the draft (3rd-rounder John Johnson has been deemed a S by Snead) he still would have leverage for a long-term deal over the Rams. The entire secondary is headed for FA after 2017 and the Rams aren’t going to allow themselves to have to fill three or four spots. Rams avoided CB in the draft, does this mean the front office believes they are close to a long-term deal with their two-time franchise player?