Los Angeles Rams: Brandin Cooks could have the biggest impact
The Los Angeles Rams made huge defensive moves this offseason, but adding wide receiver Brandin Cooks could be the team’s biggest payoff.
After a stellar first year under Sean McVay, the Los Angeles Rams looked to capitalize on it. During free agency, the Rams lost Sammy Watkins and needed to find a solid replacement. Before the draft, the Rams orchestrated a blockbuster trade with the New England Patriots.
They gave up their first and sixth round picks in 2018 to acquire Brandin Cooks in return. For a second time in his short career, Cooks was traded away. It was a puzzling move for the Patriots, but an excellent one for the Rams. Cooks could end up being the team’s biggest surprise in 2018.
The Rams made some huge moves this offseason. Defensively, they picked up a lot of playmakers and cemented themselves as contenders. With Cooks, they filled the void left by Sammy Watkins and have a WR1.
After being in New Orleans, Cooks is used to being the top receiver. Before Michael Thomas was drafted and emerged, Cooks was the guy for Drew Brees. While Jared Goff is nowhere near Brees’ level yet, having Cooks there brings more dependability. When the team wasn’t relying on Watkins, they were throwing to Cooper Kupp or Robert Woods.
Kupp is decent but lacks experience, which is where Cooks come in. As for Woods, he suffered from injuries, sidelining him for multiple games. Additionally, the team was lacking a big playmaker at receiver, someone to stretch the field vertically, and Cooks provides that.
Even though the regular season hasn’t started yet, Cooks’ confidence level is at an all-time high. When asked about being a member of the Rams (via The Rams Wire), Cooks said:
"“I’ve got a lot of respect for those other teams that I’ve been on, and now for the Rams for believing in me and what they saw on film, this will be one of the best decisions they’ll make for their organization.”"
Some may call him cocky, but his confidence is exactly what the team needs.
The Rams are a relatively young team and they need confident guys like Cooks to bolster the team. Similar to his two previous teams, the Rams are a contender in the NFC. Many have pegged for another playoff run and a possible Super Bowl appearance.
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Adding Cooks to the mix only heightens their chances. After being traded twice, Cooks needs a chance to settle down. Los Angeles looks to be the perfect home for him now. If he notches his fifth 1,000-yard season, then there’s no telling what will happen.
With the Rams already poised for success, there’s no telling what kind of fire Cooks will bring.