Coming into the 2017 season, the Los Angeles Rams knew that they needed help at wide receiver. They lost their number one receiver, Kenny Britt to free agency. Tavon Austin is not a number one receiver. Therefore, they hit the free agent market and brought in Robert Woods from the Buffalo Bills.
In 2016, Wood played in 13 games for the Bills. He caught 51 passes for 613 yards. However, the Bills wanted to go in a different direction with their receivers. Woods will now lead a young receiving corps for the Los Angeles Rams.
As a 4-year veteran of the NFL, Woods has just under 2,500 yards receiving on 203 receptions. He is coming into an offense that is going to want to run the ball to set up play-action. The Rams will expect him to grow on his 43 YPG average. Wood will be a vital part in the development of QB Jared Goff in 2017.
Many draft experts viewed Robert Woods as a potential number one receiver coming out of USC four years ago. Now he gets that chance to prove it. He can run any route on the route tree and excels through them. He has the speed to run past defender, 4.5 40-yard dash. He also has exceptionally long arms at 31”. He knows how to use them to create space.
Woods is not afraid to block either. The offense will require him to do this, as the Rams will want to use their exceptional running back, Todd Gurley to set up the pass.
On paper, this looks to be a wonderful marriage. Woods is coming into a system that fits his playing style. Sean McVay and Matt LaFluer will surely be creative in getting him the ball as well.
2017 is Robert Woods year to shine. Les Snead brought him in to shed light on a dim offense. If he can be the brightest bulb of the bunch, the Los Angeles Rams could be a surprise team.
Editor’s Note: This article can also be seen in our upcoming NFL Preview Edtion.