Wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. was the first player the Los Angeles Rams considered trading for when he became available in 2018. Beckham was a player the Rams needed when they finally acquired him on Thursday.
This need was apparent in two ways. The Rams needed help with their ailing receiver group, and they needed to continue adding talent to their obsession to win Super Bowl LVI at their home stadium on February 13, 2022.
Beckham is one of the most prominent additions to the Rams' star-studded roster. As if that wasn't clear enough, the Rams are determined to win the Lombardi trophy and Beckham joining them eight days after they traded for Von Miller, a pass-rusher, further cements this point.
This move doesn't only involve acquiring another former Pro Bowler who can move "Rams Royal", "Bone" jerseys in team's store. However, the Rams aren't afraid to add star power to a Hollywood market that needs it. It was about finding a receiver that could help a fragile receiver group, which has been ravaged by injuries and a premature divorce of veteran DeSean.
The only healthy, accomplished wideouts on the roster as it stands are Robert Woods and Cooper Kupp, along with Van Jefferson, who is the third option. The Rams have released Jackson in recent weeks after he became uncomfortable with his diminished role. They also lost Tutu Atwell (season-ending injury) and Jacob Harris (season-ending injury). A waiver claim to release wideout Josh Reynolds was denied earlier this week.
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On Thursday morning, Jefferson, Woods, and Kupp were all within 30 yards of Jefferson. Jefferson, Woods, and Kupp were only three yards behind Jefferson. J.J. Koski and Ben Skowronek, a pair first-year wideouts, was the only depth.
Beckham turned out to be the best option for the Super Bowl-hungry Rams, despite being a thin and skinny player. The match is logical for both the sides, considering Beckham will still be paid by the Cleveland Browns, which would mean he could fit under the one-year salary cap.
Beckham would be unable to return to his No. 1 position if he landed in Los Angeles, where Woods and Kupp are already established. There should be ample opportunities for Beckham to rebuild his value.
The Rams currently have three or more receiving receivers on the field at least 86% of the season -- more than any other team in the league. As if all that weren't enough, the Rams also go completely empty -- five pass-catchers, no running backs, and on 19% of these plays -- also the highest NFL total.
Beckham's role? Ideal for the Rams in a modified version the Rams had for Jackson. Although Beckham's overall production has declined in recent years, his ability to get deep is still evident. According to ESPN Stats & Information research, his average depth of target was 13.79 yards. Jefferson (12.91) is the Rams' only player with a depth of target greater than 9.0 yards.
Beckham should be able to play a significant role in helping the Rams go deep in the playoffs, given that Matthew Stafford is the NFL's first quarterback with 10 touchdown passes while targeting vertical routes.
