IMO Tavons usage is dropping precipitously, especially if everyone stays relatively healthy. Im not sure where he fits in. People have called him a gadget player in the past, but for the most part he has played full time player snaps. IMO this year his snap count will equate to an actual gadget player.
Watkins- Arguably the most talented player on the offense. Just the threat he presents taking the top off the defense is worth keeping him on the field. Once Goff and Watkins start clicking with the deep ball to add to the short and intermediate game that is coming along nicely, watch out. Additionally, some of the "get the ball in his hands" touches Tavon is used to will go to Watkins because he is also very dangerous in space in addition to being a more complete WR than Tavon.
Kupp- May surpass Woods faster than we all thought because he is already a reliable chain mover who has a good rapport with Goff. Even though he is the leading preseason WR, Woods and Watkins are still the preferred options in 2 WR sets. With Watkins and Woods as the starters, Kupp playing heavy snaps as the first WR off the bench/ 3 WR set starter, Gurley playing heavily ocassionaly spelled by a backup RB, and at least 1 TE will be involved on most plays. Add all those things up and there is only room for 3 WRs to play heavily.
Woods- IMO barring injury outplaying Woods is Tavon's best path to significant snaps. Woods was McVays 2nd FA signing as a head coach and he has talked up his polish and skill set. The best players will play, but Tavon hasn't been on the field to show he can outplay one of McVay's guys combined with an already below average track record as a WR. You have to think McVay's guy has the edge here especially early in the season
Hemingway- I am listing him as a significant player because he has played a much bigger role than I thought he would and seems to be McVays preferred option as the inline TE. Why does that matter? McVay uses 2 TE sets heavily and Hemingway's in line role compliments Higbee/Everett allowing them to do what they do best. Two TE sets means fewer receivers on the field i.e. Watkins and Woods/Kupp.
Everett- His pre season utilization has been very interesting. They line him up everywhere, but his routes have mainly been shorter routes that get him open in space. Sound familiar? He's not a good blocker yet, but he has upside in that area and McVay still isn't afraid to put him in situations where he has to block. His ability to be an extra man in protection and the run game in addition to being a big target the redzone make him inherently more versatile than Tavon. Like Woods he was one of McVays priorities as his first draft pick ever as a head coach. Higbee isn't a great blocker either, so Everett's who is a more talented receiver will replace him eventually and play heavily. Regardless, either Higbee or Everett will play extensively and the other guy will factor in off the bench creating another impediment to Tavon playing a lot.
I don't see the Rams using 4 WR sets heavily because when everyone is healthy it means taking Gurley or McVay favorite position TE off the field. Gurley is an offensive focal point and McVay features the TE position more than anyone.
