Why hasn't Jefferson taken over Reynolds?

[Snaz]

Reynolds has been less than impressive.
Van Jefferson is obviously the better athlete.

I don't understand why we still see so much Reynolds over Jefferson.

 

[FaulkSF]

I'm guessing it's route knowledge and run blocking. He'll probably see a few more snaps in the next two weeks to ensure the Rams can move on from Reynolds.

 

[nighttrain]

blocking.

 

[Dodgersrf]

I'm not worried.
He's a rookie.

 

[den-the-coach]

blocking.

This^

 

[FrantikRam]

There's so much we don't know. It's most likely blocking and knowledge of the plays/playbook - same reason we saw more Malcolm in the beginning I would guess too.

 

[RamsFanCK]

Because....idk.

 

[GoodBadUgly]

This is a great question and I've been wondering as well. Just have to trust the professionals that are seeing these guys every day (Zoom or otherwise) and hope there is a good reason.

For all we know, the main reason is to keep Reynolds value strong so we get a high comp pick when he leaves?

 

[LouisvilleRam]

Great question because all we heard was what a great route runner he was and I think his 40 time was around 4.45. He looks a lot stronger than Reynolds so his blocking can't be that much worse than Josh's.

 

[dieterbrock]

Have to keep in mind that Jefferson may have all the talent in the world, however he hasnt had much in the way of consistency with coaches. Played with 2 different HC at Ole Miss, then gets to Florida and played in 2 different system, Mullen 1st year more rushing, then year 2 more vertical passing. So all things considered, while he's been exposed to a lot of variation, it wasnt advantageous.
On the other hand, neither of the 2 have been much focus lately,
last 3 games:
Reynolds, 4 catches 36 yards
Jefferson, 4 catches 27 yards- all in 1 game

 

[nighttrain]

Jefferson been running routes since middle school, probably not ever asked to do much blocking before being drafted by Rams
train
speed wise he's been clocked at 21 mph , Gurley was clocked at 22 early on, both darn fast

 

[Merlin]

Jefferson is definitely a contact-shy type and you see it on the field but even with him losing say another 25% of his run block snaps or whatever I'd still take him over Reynolds. Our passing offense is struggling. They can do nothing without a run game this year it's terrible.

That relates in part to the WR group. It does. As well as the OL, and as well as the QB. But since we have a young fucking wideout who could potentially help us by giving the QB another quick option in the pass game... I'm with the OP on this. Since the passing game is what's broke how bout we prioritize that a bit.

Their fascination with Reynolds is bullshit IMO. It's that Yarbs loves the guy. And I get it. But it's time to switch it up, this offense is not the same with Reynolds in there as the third wideout. He rarely separates.

 

[CGI_Ram]

blocking.

Jefferson is definitely a contact-shy type and you see it on the field

Yeah, my guess is his blocking.

And, I think I see that too @Merlin. So, for me it jives as to why we are seeing Reynolds.

 

[Deac]

I remember he got a bit of playing time at the first of the season, however 2 of Goff's first 3 interceptions came off Vance's routes, then you didn't see him much for about 4 games, think he might have muffed a few routes slightly, so they put Reynolds back in.

 

[Reddog99]

We need something to give us a spark on offense. Idk if Jefferson is the answer but giving him more snaps in these last two games couldnt hurt and if it does go back to Reynolds.

 

[Flint]

It’s tough for rookie wideouts to make an impact their first year, I’ve heard it’s so much more complicated and demanding. Some guys manage it better than others.

 

[badnews]

Jefferson in a way, being the typical more finesse classic WR and not the physical, initiator of contact type (Kupp and Woods), doesn't really fit the mold for this years Rams offense.

Infact, if this years team is what McVay had in mind for his offense, Jefferson is a misplaced addition with a premium pick. The Rams can't afford to burn their 2nd rounders on guys that don't fit the vision. I refuse to believe thats the case. Jefferson represents a glimpse at what the Rams intend for their O to develop into as VJ develops. McVays Offense will always value guys like Woods and Kupp and great blocking/YAC types. But does that look or sound like Jefferson? No. But there is another quality to Woods and Kupps game that is less evident this year - their route running.
As soon as we have better pass protection from the O-line, TEs and RBs - they're all young so it should improve - that should coincide with Reynolds departure, Jeffersons opportunities and a return to a more balanced passing offense.

I hope they still plan on adding a deep threat they can put on the field. We put Kupp and Woods on longterm deals. It would be nice to lighten some of their massive load by having more rotation and more than 2.3 WRs that can be thrown to.

 

[CGI_Ram]

It’s tough for rookie wideouts to make an impact their first year, I’ve heard it’s so much more complicated and demanding. Some guys manage it better than others.

One of the harder positions... It’s easy to find many examples of slow developing WR’s.

DaVante Adams in GB, one that comes to mind (38 catches for 446 yards, 16gm) as rookie. 2nd round pick, similar spot to Jeff.

It’s almost a position you should get an extra year when drafting them. Kind of like QB’s... that first year can be a write off.

I hope they still plan on adding a deep threat they can put on the field.

This feels sooooo needed.

 

[nighttrain]

This feels sooooo needed.

 

[Corbin]

Not worried about it. Happy both are on the field for our 3 and 4th WR.