Tight end Jacob Harris, receiver Van Jefferson shine at Rams OTAsCentral Florida product could see time as pass catcher for L.A.
ERIC D. WILLIAMS
UPDATED:JUN 5, 2021
THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. -- Jacob Harris cuts an imposing figure standing next to the rest of the Los Angeles Rams pass catchers on the practice field.
At 6-5 and 211 pounds, Harris looks more like a big receiver than a pass-catching tight end. However, the Central Florida product’s athleticism and ability to high-point the ball stood out during 7-on-7 drills in this week’s organized team activities open to reporters.
A fourth-round selection by the Rams in this year’s draft, Harris is someone who could contribute for Los Angeles during the regular season.
“Jacob Harris is a guy that’s definitely stood out,” said Rams head coach Sean McVay, when asked about players who have flashed among this year’s rookie class. “Just his overall speed and athleticism, you kind of feel him on the field. But that’s been in some of the limited, 7-on-7s and kind of running routes on air.
“That’s not how you really play football, so there is a real variance when you actually include the offensive and defensive lines. But just the overall athleticism and some of the things that he and Wes (Rams TEs coach Wes Phillips) have been working on the last few weeks in his improvement, he’s somebody that comes to mind.”
Another player who has caught the attention of McVay during offseason work is second-year pro Van Jefferson.
The Florida product had an impressive training camp during his rookie season last year but saw limited opportunities as the fourth receiver last year. However, with Josh Reynolds signing with the Tennessee Titans in free agency, Jefferson should get more snaps on the field as L.A.’s third receiver.
“I just think he’s got special receiver traits,” McVay said about Jefferson. “He’s got a great ability to work edges and separate. He’s got good, aggressive hands. You can see he’s really put the work in. He’s come back and established himself as a legitimate dude, a guy that we’re counting on for big things and I think the future is so bright for this guy.”
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