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St. Louis Rams Roster Preview: Wide Receivers

By Matt LaPan

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Oct 5, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; St. Louis Rams wide receiver Brian Quick (83) celebrates his touchdown with teammate St. Louis Rams wide receiver Kenny Britt (81) during the first half at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey G. Pittenger-USA TODAY Sports

The St. Louis Rams have not been known in recent years to have a potent passing attack like they did during “The Greatest Show on Turf” years. With lack-luster quarterback play and inexperienced wide receiver play the Rams managed just 212.5 passing yards per game in 2014 – 23rd in the NFL.

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A revamped offense could lead to a resurgent season for the Rams passing game in 2015. Between the addition of Nick Foles and a legitimate running game, the wide receiver group should benefit greatly.

Wide Receivers on Roster (12): Tavon Austin, Stedman Bailey, Emory Blake, Kenny Britt, Isiah Ferguson, Chris Givens, Bradley Marquez, Brian Quick, Daniel Rodriguez, Tyler Slavin, Damian Williams, Devon Wylie

The main group of receivers should be nearly intact from 2014 with Kenny Britt, Stedman Bailey, Tavon Austin, Brian Quick and Chris Givens all returning. That means that the Rams will be returning the top five receivers, in terms of yards gained, from 2014. These five combined for 145 catches, 1,959 yards and eight touchdowns in 2014.

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The group is led by Britt. Despite multiple off-field issues in his past, Britt joined the Rams ahead of the 2014 season and instantly became the Rams number one receiver. The 6’3” Britt hauled in a career and team-high 48 receptions for 748 yards and was tied for a team-high three touchdowns. Britt added a true outside presence to the Rams offense, and his presence opened up opportunities all over the field – especially for Stedman Bailey.

Oct 26, 2014; Kansas City, MO, USA; St. Louis Rams wide receiver Stedman Bailey (12) catches a pass and runs for yardage during the second half against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium. The Chiefs won 34-7. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

Bailey, the former third-round pick of the Rams, showed great strides in his game in 2014. Bailey played in 14 games, grabbing a career-high 30 passes for 435 yards and his first career touchdown. His 14.5 yards per reception proved that he was coming into the deep threat mold that the Rams expected him to be when they drafted him.

While Bailey appeared to take steps forward in 2014, his former college teammate Tavon Austin appeared to go the other way as a receiver. Austin, the former number-eight overall pick, managed just 31 receptions in 15 games – this after grabbing 40 receptions in his rookie season. Austin’s 31 rec3eptions managed just 242 yards and no touchdowns. His 7.8 yards per catch was down drastically from his 10.5 yards per catch in his rookie season. Austin also went from four receiving touchdowns to zero.

It was not a lost year for Austin. He did become better with the ball in his hands. He carried the ball a career-high 36 times for 224 yards and two touchdowns. While he did not have any big-yardage runs, like his 65-yard run in his rookie season, Austin had a solid 6.2 yards per carry average.

St. Louis Rams wide receiver Kenny Britt (81) celebrates a touchdown against the San Diego Chargers during the second quarter at Qualcomm Stadium. The touchdown would be called back on a penalty. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

Austin’s punt return game also blossomed in 2014. He relinquished his role as the primary kick returner, helping him set career-highs in punt return yardage. He had 35 punt returns for 391 yards and a touchdown. His 11.2 yards per return average was good for fifth in the NFL. Despite his regression as a receiver in 2014, Austin believes he can improve in 2015.

“Last year, I didn’t have too many opportunities out there,” Austin said to Elisabeth Meinecke of Fox Sports Midwest. “Different offensive coordinator, different quarterback. I’m just thankful — things are working out in my favor right now and hopefully, everything just keeps going my way.

“Just still little things that we’ve got to piece together, and we feel like we’ll be OK — [not just] with me, just with all the wide receivers, and we’ll definitely have a successful season.”

The remaining wide receiver reps will likely be split between Quick and Givens. Quick set a career-high in 2014 with 25 receptions for 375 yards and three touchdowns. He appeared to be on track for a very good season before suffering a shoulder injury that sidelined him after just seven games. Quick could emerge as another deep option for Nick Foles if Bailey and Britt garner a lot of attention.

Givens appeared to be phased out of the offense during 2014. He had career-lows in receptions and yards with 11 catches for 159 yards. He has shown in his career that he has the ability to catch passes, hauling in 42 during the 2012 season and 34 in 2013. He is a very good option if the Rams decide to spread the field.

The remaining wide receivers will all fight to make the roster as special teams players. Damian Williams appears to hold an advantage due to his special teams experience.

Projected Depth Chart

WR1 – Kenny Britt; Brian Quick; Damian Williams

WR2 – Tavon Austin; Stedman Bailey; Chris Givens

Not on the Roster – Emory Blake, Isiah Ferguson, Bradley Marquez, Daniel Rodriguez, Tyler Slavin, Devon Wylie

Next: St. Louis Rams Roster Preview - Running Backs

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