:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/60601495/usa_today_10408771.0.jpg)
Why would the Los Angeles Rams pay Robert Woods nearly $40M over five years when there were far better receivers to be had during the early stages of free agency in 2017? He’d never even eclipsed 700 receiving yards in a single season, right? The Rams didn’t need a possession receiver who’s made a name for himself as one of best blockers at his position — they needed a deep threat, true No. 1 type guy. A guy destined to get at least 1,000 yards receiving.
The reactions to Woods’ signing were mixed, but for the most part his acquisition was met with skepticism. To be fair, it was the Rams after all, and given their reputation over the last 15 years, it appeared, to many, that inking the former Buffalo Bills’ receiver was just another questionable move by an organization is disarray.
And if you’d thought any of the aforementioned, it’s ok to admit that you - among the others - were wrong. Woods finished his first season in LA with 781 yards and five touchdowns. Had it not been for a late season injury (and a healthy scratch in Week 17 vs. the 49ers), Woods’ yards-per-game average (65.1, which lead all Rams’ receivers) would suggest that he was well on his way to eclipsing 1,000 yards for the first time in his career...and with relative ease. And he put an exclamation point on a strong 2017 campaign with a nine catch, 142 yard effort in the Rams’ playoff loss to the Falcons.
Roster Battle
It’s going to be Woods joining Cooper Kupp and Brandin Cooks as the team’s starting trio of wideouts, barring the unforeseen (something that shall not be mentioned for superstition’s sake).
It’s likely that second year receiver sees a bump in production in the upcoming year as the team’s WR4, but there’s little to suggest that any of the starter’s jobs are in jeopardy.
Expectations
I’m expecting, given the ability to play a full slate, that Woods battles it out with Cooper Kupp to be Jared Goff’s most targeted receiver, and potentially lead the team in receiving yards — something he would’ve easily done last season had he been healthy (or featured) in all 16.
Chances Of Making Final Roster (10/10)
His chances are strong, I’d say.