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How many yards will WR Davante Adams have in his first year in the Rams offense?
The Los Angeles Rams made one of the free agent signings of the offseason when they signed wide receiver Davante Adams following his release from the New York Jets. After moving on from Cooper Kupp, the Rams signed Adams as they were in need of an “X” receiver who could win on the outside while also having the ability to be alignment versatile. Adams fit that bill and head coach Sean McVay heavily recruited Adams to join the Rams.
With the Rams seen as a top contender, the addition of Adams could be the playmaking wide receiver that they need to get over the hump. While they may not be getting an elite version of Adams, he has still shown the ability to win with body control and create separation with his route-running.
ESPN’s Mike Clay released his annual stat predictions which included what Adams may provide the Rams on offense.
For Adams, Clay projected the new Rams wide receiver to have 79 receptions for 1,080 yards and eight touchdowns. Adams’ 79 receptions would be his fewest since 2017 while his 1,080 yards would just beat his production from last season. His projected eight touchdowns would match the last two years.
Some may expect more from Adams and Clay’s projections tend to be on the lower end. However, that may end up being pretty realistic. Adams comes in to replace Cooper Kupp in the Rams pass game. In 2024, Kupp had 710 yards and six touchdowns. While that came in 12 games, over a 17 game season, Kupp was on pace for 95 receptions for 1,006 yards and 8.5 touchdowns.
It’s possible that Adams surpasses the projected 79 receptions, but the projected yards and touchdowns may end up being spot on. Heading into his age 33 season, it’s unlikely that Adams hits the 1,500 yards that he had in his final year with the Green Bay Packers and first year with the Las Vegas Raiders. That’s especially the case considering that Adams will be the WR2 behind Puka Nacua rather than being a featured player.
As the WR2, Adams may not lead the team in targets, but his presence should command defensive attention, creating more one-on-one opportunities for both Nacua and tight end Tyler Higbee over the middle.
Other notable stat lines from Clay include quarterback Matthew Stafford who was given a projected 3,935 yards and 25 touchdowns. That would nearly match Stafford’s 2023 production. Running back Blake Corum was given 97 rushes for 412 yards and three touchdowns. Many are expecting a jump from Corum in year two. That would be solid production for the Rams’ backup running back.
Also on offense, Clay gave rookie tight end Terrance Ferguson 16 receptions for 161 yards. That may seem low, but it depends on how much the Rams utilize 12 personnel. Gerald Everett had 16 receptions for 244 yards as a rookie in 2017.
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