Kupp and Woods both ranked among NFL’s 11 best slot receivers…

Cooper Kupp and Robert Woods both ranked among NFL's 11 best slot WRs

[theramswire.usatoday.com]

Cameron DaSilva

With how often teams have three wideouts on the field in today’s NFL, slot receivers have become more important and valuable than ever. Cooper Kupp has shown that in his first four seasons, but he’s not the only great slot receiver on the Rams’ roster.

Robert Woods often lines up inside, too, using his speed and quickness to get open in the middle of the field. He’s not a true slot receiver like Kupp is, but when he does line up there, he’s one of the toughest matchups in football.

Doug Farrar of Touchdown Wire ranked the 11 best slot receivers in football and both Kupp and Woods made the list. Woods was No. 11, while Kupp checked in at No. 6.

Here’s what Farrar wrote about Woods:

One of the more underappreciated route technicians of his era, Woods has excelled for the Bills and Rams through his career, and with Cooper Kupp dealing with injuries last season, he became an invaluable slot target in Sean McVay’s offense — even when Jared Goff was dealing with accuracy and mechanical issues. In 2020, Woods caught 50 of 66 slot targets for 506 yards and four touchdowns; one can only imagine how he’ll fare when Matthew Stafford is throwing him passes as opposed to Goff.

Woods’ production should only increase with Stafford under center, giving the Rams a more aggressive and accurate quarterback. Expect an uptick in downfield routes for Woods and Kupp, which will open things up underneath, as well.

Neither player is seen as a true deep threat, but with their route-running ability and quickness, they should make more plays on intermediate and deep passes this season.

Farrar notes that Kupp caught 62 passes on 82 targets from the slot, totaling 669 yards on those receptions. Those numbers were down from his 69 slot catches for 853 yards in 2019, but he was still highly productive as an inside receiver.

With Woods, Kupp, DeSean Jackson, Van Jefferson and Tutu Atwell, the Rams undoubtedly have one of the best receiving corps in football. And thanks to their versatility, there’s a wealth of combinations for Sean McVay to use.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 07/06/2021 07:58AM by Rams43.