Los Angeles Rams: 7-Round 2018 mock draft after free agency first wave

Losing Sammy Watkins may not end up being a huge deal for the Los Angeles Rams. Both Robert Woods and Cooper Kupp proved to be much more effective in Sean McVay’s offense last season and Josh Reynolds could easily shine with a more expanded role at wide receiver.

That being said, Watkins is a talented player who opposing defenses had to account for at all times. It is certainly fair to wonder whether the Rams will have as much room to work without the threat of Watkins on the field. As long as the price is right, I’d like to see the Rams try to find a potentially explosive receiver in the 2018 NFL Draft. With their third-round selection, they find just the guy in Michael Gallup.

Gallup is a fast and athletic wide receiver who also has nice size on the outside. At 6-foot-1, 205 pounds, Gallup will battle for the ball in the air. He is a physical receiver whose overall skill set allows him to compete against the bigger and more athletic defensive backs in today’s game.

Gallup also shows legitimate deep speed on the outside. He is not a big-time burner like Watkins, but Gallup has enough speed to keep defenses honest. Opposing defenses will have to give most cornerbacks help over the top against Gallup and that is exactly what the Rams need. Taking safety help over the top will help open up the short routes for Woods and Kupp in the Rams’ passing attack, just like Watkins did last season.

A true weapon at all levels who can also go and fight for the ball well, there is a lot to like about Gallup at the next level. He is a strong fit for Los Angeles and would be a fantastic value late in the third round.