Turf Show Times
Nine diminutive slot prospects for the L.A. scouting staff to consider
If the Los Angeles Rams decide not to re-sign Tutu Atwell, the wide receiver room not only loses a body, but a very fast one. Most fans would love to see the L.A. offense become more explosive and letting their one true speed weapon depart makes it one step further from reality.
But wait, this content is not about making a case to re-up Atwell, it’s to provide some capsule reviews on “little” wide receiver prospects. Yes, although “bigger, faster, longer” is the usual mantra when it comes to prospects, the little guys have their place in a well-rounded unit.
The Rams haven’t been shy in adding them either. In the Sean McVay years, he’s brought in over a half-dozen receivers at 5’10”. Add to that number Atwell, Jojo Natson, Brandon Powell, and Xavier Smith. These last three are where I want to concentrate, players with playmaking ability that can add value in the return game as well as offense.
L.A. currently does have the diminutive Smith under contract, but after two seasons, his 33 offensive snaps and 22 total kickoff/punt returns are easily replaced. Last season, the Rams subbed in Blake Corum to return kickoffs, even though he is much heavier afoot.
Tez Johnson-Oregon- 5’9’’ 156 lb. 29 7/8” arms, 8 1/2” hands @ Senior
Produced three strong seasons (141 catches-1809 yards-8 td) at Troy before stepping up for two stellar years (169 catches-2089 yards-20 td) at Oregon. Although only had a couple of kickoff returns, he returned 56 punts for 519 yards over all five seasons.
He was timed at 20.64 mph in Senior Bowl workouts, but he’s got more than speed. Although the burst and quick feet help in separation, he is a good route runner with solid hands that improved over his career. Used almost exclusively out of the slot (88%) although Oregon did gadget him all over when not. Wasn’t used deep a lot, but you can see from the first Ohio State matchup film that he can win on those routes.
Not a lot of draft value here, Johnson had a strong Senior Bowl and is rising up draft boards. I have a mid-Round 4 grade him. Naturally, there are physicality concerns, but if he tests well, someone will take a “too early”chance on a prospect with his combination of hands, burst/long speed, and open-field running abilities.
Xavier Restrepo-Miami- 5’9” 200 lb. 29 3/4” arms, 9 1/8” hands @ Senior
Has the highest floor of all these candidates. How much do you value a player who profiles to be a slot-only, chain-moving, WR#2 for many years? For me, it’s a late 2nd/early 3rd grade. Experienced (53 games and 28 starts) and productive (200 grabs-2844 yards-21 td). Not a true return threat, although he brought back 13 punts and six kickoffs.
Timed 19.02 mph during Senior Bowl, very good, but not elite. Restrepo wins on route running and hands. He...
