Random Ramsdom: How much impact will WR Van Jefferson have on this season?
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By: Blane Dydasco
Your source for Rams and NFL News from around the web.
Los Angeles Rams’ WR Van Jefferson is preparing for his second season in the NFL. The son of former NFL WR and current position coach Shawn Jefferson, Van has been taking reps with the starters during the preseason practices alongside Cooper Kupp and Robert Woods.
Jefferson, a second round draft pick from the 2020 class, seemed to make an impression on coach Sean McVay in his limited rookie preseason, but during the regular season played a role of mainly a rotational sub. While seeing the field in all 16 regular season games, Jefferson accrued 19 receptions on 31 targets for 220 yards and one touchdown. He also added six receptions and one touchdown against the Green Bay Packers in the divisional round playoff game.
This offseason, the Rams also acquired veteran deep threat DeSean Jackson and drafted University of Louisville speedster Tutu Atwell also with a second round draft pick. With Kupp and Woods operating as the primary targets, the concept seems that a combination of Jefferson and Jackson could work as the third WR and as the deep pass threat as Jackson has more than proved his ability downfield and Jefferson appears to be improving. During training camp, Van was definitely in the mix for deep area targets and according to Jourdan Rodrigue of the Athletic, it seems like the Matthew Stafford to Van Jefferson connection continues during the last two weeks before the season opener.
Matthew Stafford just hit Van Jefferson deep down the left sideline to end the first 11 on 11 period. Those two have really been developing that throw/catch window especially on that perimeter stuff in camp.
— Jourdan Rodrigue (@JourdanRodrigue) August 23, 2021
He’s got the size and speed, the pedigree, the supporting receivers to spread the coverage. With a full year to learn Sean McVay’s offense, will we see a big leap in Jefferson’s year two?
And now for today’s links:
RAMS NEWS:
From the Podium: Sean McVay on preseason finale plans for quarterback position, Matthew Stafford on evaluation of Van Jefferson and Tutu Atwell (Rams.com)
Chris Garrett makes presence felt vs. Raiders (Rams.com)
Darrell Henderson Jr. has a sprained thumb, avoided serious injury (RamsWire)
All signs point to LA Rams shopping waiver wire for RB help now (RamblinFan)
NFL NEWS:
New Orleans Saints’ Jameis Winston throws for 123 yards, 2 TDs on 9-of-10 passing in first quarter of preseason showcase (ESPN)
Jacksonville Jaguars’ Travis Etienne out indefinitely with midfoot sprain, source says (ESPN)
Ranking preseason rookie QBs: Zach Wilson, Mac Jones lead the pack, Trevor Lawrence gets little help (CBSsports)
NFL player cuts tracker: Team-by-team roster moves (NFL.com)
