Noah Fant...or is it Smoke Screen...wait, maybe those 2 words are Josh Jacobs...Hold on, its DK Metcalf. If DK is considered 2 words...
If McVay is serious (and it is lying season) about adding a player that creates explosives, in the first round it comes down to 3 players.
Here is the quote from McVay from that article:
“I think when you go back and you look at our tape and say, ‘alright where are some areas that we could be better as coaches, starting out, but what are some of the nuances from a skillset that we are looking for, whether it’s from a receiver, tight end, or running back,” McVay said a day before free agency hit. “
In a lot of instances it’s playmakers and guys that can do different things and have a versatile skill set whether it be running back, tight end, or receiver.”As far as what can the coaches be better at, to me that is Redzone scoring and utilizing more then 11 personnel. To me a TE or big bodied WR solve some of those issues. A running back doesn't solve any of that, esp. since a healthy Gurley didn't.
But lets look at that last sentence, since it talks specifically about players. Who are playmakers in this draft that are versatile and do different things that fit what the Rams do.
Fant - versatility: He played out wide, he played in-line and flexed into the backfield. There isn't a spot of the field he cannot play. His speed and explosiveness make him an automatic mismatch and he is at his best in a vertical offense when he can work the seam. I think he is exactly what the Rams like in a TE.
Metcalf - versatility: He is a redzone threat with his size and physicality. He is a vertical threat with his deep speed and he is a playmaker once the ball is in his hands due to his strength and speed. The Rams have no one on the roster with his skill set and size. (not many teams do TBH). He will not be around at 31 unless his neck surgery had some red flags at the medical check at the combine.
Josh Jacobs - versatility: He can, run, catch and block. He is not what I would call explosive, and he isn't a HR threat, but he has very good vision, excellent body control and footwork and is a threat catching the ball. he also has the size to be an every down back and is an excellent kick returner. He also might be there at 31. Honestly I prefer the crop of RBs next year and love the kid from Clemson Eitenne (he is already my #1 back for next year, just add 10 lbs please)
Of the 3, only one checks off versatility, explosives (McVays word, not mine) and availability (could they available at 31) and that is Fant. Mtcalf is all those things but probably a top 10 pick, And Jacobs doesn't create "explosives".
The only way they pick Fant is if they are comfortable going after a CB later in the draft or worrying about CB next offseason. Same with OL, they might feel they can get a OL that works in the middle of the draft and avoid Bradbury or McCoy (or they are both off the board) and edge is gone. Which I think is very likely and why the Rams made edge a priority in FA. That would leave the Rams free to draft the BPA on their board which could very will be Fant at that point.
Don't waste your time looking back, you're not going that way. - Ragnar Lothbrok
