Why I like Sammy Watkins’ impact on Rams depth chart, passing game

What an insane day for the Los Angeles Rams and the Buffalo Bills. The Rams agreed to send a 2018 NFL Draft second-round pick and CB E.J. Gaines for WR Sammy Watkins and a sixth-round pick next year in return. Let’s take a look at what this means for the Rams offense.

Passing game impact

Obviously, the Rams moved a ton for Watkins, and by virtue, that means he automatically becomes the #1 WR on the team. Not just for that reason, but he was also a top-10 pick in the 2014 NFL Draft, and one of the game’s most premier wideouts.

Talent or skill has never been a question for Watkins. It’s his health that is something to wonder about.

In his three NFL years, Sammy only managed to play 16 games as a rookie, 13 as second-year player, and eight last season. With over 2,500 yards receiving and 17 NFL TDs, he is by far the Rams most accomplished and productive receiver in a three-year stretch.

What does this mean for the Rams? Well, for an offense starved for production, Watkins becomes WR1, his former Bills teammate Robert Woods slides to WR2, Cooper Kupp remains at WR3, and the biggest tumble is Tavon Austin out of the starting mix.

What does Watkins bring to this offense? Well, he’s a “complete” WR. He can work all levels of the field effectively, and was one of the leagues best deep threats. For an offense that lacks one, he fits in perfectly. Not only that, but his hands are strong, his routes are clean and sharp, and Sammy is a freak of nature. His natural ability to glide through his routes creating big separation will be a massively welcomed addition to this roster.

When you look at an outside perspective, the Rams didn’t move much for one of the best WR’s in football, specifically a 24-year old. The issue remains that Watkins is a free agent after this season, giving Les Snead another potential player to negotiate with.

Even with that being said, I am in MAJOR FAVOR of this trade. The Rams were starved for offensive production, and bringing in one of the games most complete and premier WR’s can only help this offense. Lastly, for a QB thought of as a franchise guy, Goff finally has “the” weapon he can learn and grow with, and hopefully turn his career around with.

You’re welcome, and enjoy Rams fans: