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Los Angeles Rams: Rookies will benefit from Sammy Watkins

By Greg Archuleta

ORCHARD PARK, NY - NOVEMBER 27: The Sammy Watkins impact on the Los Angeles Rams will start with bolstering the potential of rookie wide receiver Cooper Kupp and tight end Gerald Everett. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images)
ORCHARD PARK, NY - NOVEMBER 27: The Sammy Watkins impact on the Los Angeles Rams will start with bolstering the potential of rookie wide receiver Cooper Kupp and tight end Gerald Everett. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images) /
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Potential for rookies Cooper Kupp, Gerald Evans greater because of Sammy Watkins impact

The impact of the Sammy Watkins trade could start with the Los Angeles Rams 2017 draft class. Rams rookies Cooper Kupp and Gerald Everett were among those to show promise during their 13-10  victory over the Dallas Cowboys in their 2017 exhibition debut.

Kupp, the Rams’ third-round draft choice at wide receiver, had two catches for 35 yards. He scored a touchdown, recovering a Robert Woods fumble in the Cowboys end zone in the first quarter. Everett, the team’s first pick as a second-round selection at tight end, had two receptions for 12 yards and showed some good moves after the catch.

The Rams brought in the speedy Watkins to give quarterback Jared Goff the deep threat that coach Sean McVay’s offense desperately needs. If Watkins and Goff get in sync, Kupp and Evans could have big years.

The Rams already have lauded Kupp for his on-field intelligence. McVay said this about the rookie from Eastern Washington, via the Orange County Register:

"“He’s one of those players that always seems to be in the right spot,” McVay on Saturday. “That’s a credit to his football IQ. He’s going to continue to improve. He’s a very smart, conscientious player. We feel fortunate to have Cooper on our team.”"

CBS Sports’ Roto Wire Staff noted Everett’s positive debut.

"The 44th overall pick in this year’s draft, Everett looked impressive in making two defenders miss on a nine-yard gain."

Kupp showed he could find open space in the defensive seams. Meanwhile, Everett showed strong footwork and burst to complement Watkins’ explosiveness.

L.A. still must prove it can give Goff enough time to connect with Watkins downfield. Most of the Rams’ offense against the Cowboys featured quick passes by its quarterbacks. The idea was to get the ball out quickly. But with Watkins around, the Rams’ ideas may change.

Now, the team may hope Goff and Watkins can get on the same page quickly. His speed will create a lot of opportunities for Kupp and Everett. Running back Todd Gurley also may enjoy more running lanes if Watkins prevents opponents from stacking the line of scrimmage.

Next: NFL Power Rankings 2017: Preseason Week 2

How immediate the Watkins impact will be depends on how quickly he can grasp his role on the Rams. Still, his presence will give Kupp and Everett room to run — and to grow.

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