Even running more 12 personnel would put only 2 WRs on the field.
It is also conceivable that a TE could wind up having the second most receptions—the most if Nacua doesn’t get his act together.
Are we better at third pass catcher than the media thinks?
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It is also conceivable that a TE could wind up having the second most receptions—the most if Nacua doesn’t get his act together.
How important is the WR3 when we have the tight ends to run 12 and 13 personnel? And we have one of the best pair of WR's as it is. WR3 is more of a complimentary piece not intended to have near as many targets as WR1 and WR2.
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Who knows if they'll maintain that 66.7%, but we may see it a lot this year.
Also, it's not just 13. It's also increased 12.
I understand that they were in 13 a ton by the end of the year, and it was hugely successful but it was about 35% overall for the season; and, I believe that was twice as often as the next highest team ... That's Extreme.
Another factor to consider, at the end of the regular season, was the absence of Davante Adams due to injury. With only Mumpfield, Whittington and Smith opposite Nacua (who they may have been trying to keep fresh for the upcoming playoffs) two-WR sets may not have been an attractive option.
McVay was clear about being excited for (his words) 'the next iteration of 13-personnel' but the question remains ... How often will it be employed. By-the-way, if the Rams play 13-personnel two-thirds of the time for the entire season, the Rams may well have enough at Wide Receiver right now.
Personally, I hope the Rams have enough talent and depth at WR to play 11-personnel when McVay wants because they have had tremendous success with that formation for most of his tenure with the Team.
At the end of the day, I think you're right that we don't know right now.
Yes, the season average for 13 was 35% but keep in mind that it was towards the middle of the season when he came up with the innovation due to his WRs getting hurt. He kept playing it because it was so successful.
IMO, the Rams are set at WR to start the season, but will monitor the WR market for well-priced vets who can contribute. After the season starts, they can reassess at the trade deadline and make a mid-season pickup if necessary.
I mean, every one of those catches he has at least a full step on the DB. That IS separation by NFL standards. You won’t see him running free very often, but that’s okay,
Maybe and OK ... mostly agree ... however, I would prefer another WR for Camp to be more fully integrated.
B-T-W, I love the three-TE-sets but I also think opposing defenses will adjust. Believe McVay will have answers, and his ability to adapt and adjust has been a strength but he needs to have the personnel.
I personally wanted Sadiq, but have grown to love the Simpson pick. The Simpson pick now makes the 2027 picks expendable if a high end WR (or any position) becomes available in a trade. The all in for 2026 might just be more likely with the Simpson pick due to the flexibility of trading draft picks up until the trade deadline instead of hoarding them for a Stafford replacement. We also tend to equate the value of of a first round pick with rookie year production. Rookie receivers don't tend to produce too much. Lemon or Sadiq are certainly worth way more than the receivers left in free agency, but I highly doubt they outproduce Diggs, Deebo, Hill., Jennings, or Allen if all we look at is the 2026 season in a vacuum. I see one of them being a Ram soon.
It’s going to be interesting.Higbee should be healthy.
IMO - it’s not ONE SIZE fits all teams.For The Rams I think it will be more about the matchups & taking advantage of different defenses.I can look at it in ALL different angles.
If you’re going by stats,the 2nd part of the season should be more of the same than the front half.Ferguson & Klare should be more like having a WR in.
I HATE having Puka blocking,meaning risking injury.Same with the Jet Sweep.
Having a CB fighting through a TE(bigger player) .Helps get the run game going.
El Chapo Jr
Legend
Yes and we all saw how hard it was for Ferguson to be consistent. TE is not an easy position to play in the NFL so Klare will definitely need time. Will be interesting to see how that actually goes.
Ferguson and Klare both get open and move like receivers. It could be great.
I think the ability to effectively play 11, 12, 13 is what is exciting McVay this season. If we are able to do all with good success - which I think we'll be able to - how does a team adjust? Teams may try to beef up a bit in the backfield to stop 13 but they still have to play against the rest of the league that is mostly playing 11 and 12. We have a combination of WR that can likely hold down the WR3 position and even work effectively if more than one of them is on the field at the same time. It is going to be real interesting to see what McVay has cooked up. Unfortunately for us, we have to wait until September to see any of it. Two very good RBs, Puka, DA, Mumfield, Smith, Whit, add the rookie, and that TE room? I can just see McVay......
McVay has plenty of options to keep defenses off balance. I hope he doesn't go 4 WR sets inside the 10 yard line. With the TEs, he can still go 2 WR 2 TE sets and not give away the run-pass option.
Mumpfield is very smooth. He knows where to sit in the zones. He can also make catches on the move. Great hands. He lacks the deep threat so far, with limited deep separation.
Whittington is solid with the ability to run through tackles.
Daniels is a wild card. If he develops by mid-season, he could be a big all-around target.
Ferguson should make a big jump in year two. He and Stafford had a lot of near misses. Just a slight timing improvement by both could see big dividends.
The TEs will stay fresh in-game and season with all the options.
Let's not forget the RBs out of the backfield.
Mumpfield is very smooth. He knows where to sit in the zones. He can also make catches on the move. Great hands. He lacks the deep threat so far, with limited deep separation.
Whittington is solid with the ability to run through tackles.
Daniels is a wild card. If he develops by mid-season, he could be a big all-around target.
Ferguson should make a big jump in year two. He and Stafford had a lot of near misses. Just a slight timing improvement by both could see big dividends.
The TEs will stay fresh in-game and season with all the options.
Let's not forget the RBs out of the backfield.
Nate Atkins needs more time with the team.
I heard an interview with him on Sirius NFL Radio and got the sense that some of us knew more about the team that he did.
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I disagree, as you see with Puka and Adams (and Kupp, Woods, Robinson, etc...) there's enough separation that they gain YAC, very little YAC available with this kid.
As it stands now, he's a small possession receiver. He can be a useful player and maybe he takes a jump in year two (this is coming as someone who saw flashes in college from him) but more likely he's a solid 4 or 5 but then if he can't offer ST help...
Well, he's no Jake Ellenbogan but he's doing the best he can..... okay?
I was, like many, angry when they passed on Lemon (even Bain). I now understand it better based on the discourse above and the fact that they would not be able to find a legit future QB candidate - later in the draft or even next year. Who am I to doubt McSnead?
PS - Like others, I don't think they are done at WR or OL.
PS - Like others, I don't think they are done at WR or OL.