Turf Show Times
There could be openings for Mario Williams, Brennan Presley, and Tru Edwards
While there has been plenty of post-draft talk about a Los Angeles Rams scheme change for the tight end unit, not much mention has been made of the wide receivers. General Manager Les Snead did his deep tissue work in this area long before the draft, signing free agent Davante Adams and re-signing Tutu Atwell to bolster the corps.
Was that enough?
The L.A. braintrust seems pretty sure of it. Their only draft additions were a Round 7 rookie and three undrafted free agents, Brennan Presley, Mario Williams, and Tru Edwards, this trio being the eventual subject of this piece.
But first a quick look at the current stable.
I’m of the belief that the L.A. receiving room isn’t quite as locked down as the Rams seem to think. Sure, the quartet of Puka Nacua, Adams, Atwell, and Jordan Whittington are a plus start, but realistically, all have had recent injury concerns. Even if all four remain healthy, after them, questions abound.
Punt returner Xavier Smith enters his third season with 33 offensive snaps and 15 returns in 16 games, Quintez Cephus has bounced through five stops since 2020 without distinction, Drake Stoops is likely a coach in training, and Round 7 rookie Konata Mumpfield wasn’t a steal at that draft position, and in fact by his own words, Mumpfield’s father and Rams Senior Personnel Executive Ray Farmer are long-time personal friends.
After the top four, this roster is wide open.
Update: Yesterday L.A. signed free agent receiver/returner Britain Covey.
Big 12 Pro Day: 4.46 forty 6.71 shuttle 4.07 3cone 34” vert 9’ 11” broad
Three-star recruit spent five seasons for the Cowboys and will play as a 23 year-old rookie. Highly productive college career that began as a freshman. Presley started in 44 of 63 games played and left as OSU’s all-time leader in pass receptions and towards the top in all receiving categories, chalking up 315 catches for 3315 yards and 23 scores. He averaged over 1000 yards per season in all-purpose production, chipping in 160 yards rushing, 1427 in kickoff return yardage, and 240 yards on punt returns.
Had stellar athletic testing numbers at the Big 12 Pro Day, showing plus burst, balance, flexibility, and change of direction in his short-area agility to go along with very good long speed. His ability to run with the ball stands out. A jitterbug style with slippery-fast change of direction and makes his cuts at speed. If given sliver of space, he seems to always beat the first tackler, played running back in high school and runs with willing physicality for a small player.
He appears to run routes pretty well, but because of that running ability, OSU very often got him the ball quickly, so his route tree will need to be expanded. Predominantly a slot receiver,...
