5 takeaways from Day 15 of Rams camp: WR's open some eyes...

5 takeaways from Day 15 of Rams camp: Wide receivers open eyes

Cameron DaSilva

[theramswire.usatoday.com]



Day 15 of Rams training camp is in the books with Wednesday's practice being won by the receivers Here are five takeaways: 1. Cooper Kupp is an outstanding route-runner 2. Sammy Watkins will be ready in no time 3. Sean McVay keeps preaching ball security 4. Matt Longacre is making an impact 5. Gerald Everett will be a dangerous red-zone threat

The Los Angeles Rams are just two days away from their second preseason game as they’ll pay the Raiders a visit up in Oakland. The team has been sharp in practice with days won by both the offense and the defense.

On Wednesday, it seemed as though the wide receivers got the better of L.A.’s defensive backs with a few great plays by the likes of Cooper Kupp, Sammy Watkins and Mike Thomas.

Cooper Kupp is an outstanding route-runner

Kupp isn’t the fastest and most athletic receiver in the NFL. He’s far from it. However, he’s a precise route-runner with great route-runner with reliable hands. He put that on display Wednesday when he put Trumaine Johnson through the spin cycle with a double move. Kupp caught the pass for a touchdown, eliciting a high-five from Johnson afterwards.

Sammy Watkins will be ready in no time

Day by day, Watkins continues to progress faster than anyone expected. Sure, he’s making spectacular catches, which were to be expected. However, the more impressive part is that he’s grasping the offense at a very rapid rate.

“He’s been sharper than I’ve expected,” Goff said, via Alden Gonzalez of ESPN. “That’s not saying anything negatively about him, but it’s a new system for anybody. He’s been on it. He’s been sharp. It’s been a really pleasant surprise.”

Sean McVay keeps preaching ball security

For the third straight day, a focal point of practice was not putting the ball on the turf. McVay keeps pounding that into his players’ heads after they fumbled it six times in the preseason opener. You can bet the coaching staff will be focused on this troubling trend this week against the Raiders, as will the players. You’ll probably see more instances with two hands on the football.

Rams offense has started practice with ball security circuit Monday, Tuesday, and now again on Wednesday.



Matt Longacre is making an impact

Longacre had a strong performance against the Cowboys, and it’s earned him some additional playing time, apparently. He took reps with the first-team defense on Wednesday, which is a step in the right direction for him. With Aaron Donald out, the Rams could use as much production as they can from the defensive line.

Gerald Everett will be a dangerous red-zone threat

As with most tight ends, Everett is expected to be a real weapon in the red zone for the Rams. He’s a big, athletic receiver with good hands, which loosely translates to “quarterback’s best friend.” McVay is certainly impressed by his skill set.

“I think that’s where he’s done a nice job. You see the size, you see the ability in terms of being about to have great body control for a man of his size with the ball skills. He does a nice job in the red zone and when the ball’s in his hands he was excellent running after the catch and offers a lot of versatility for us at that tight end spot. I have been very pleased.”