OTAs & receivers/TE talk

Robert Woods without Watkins

Woods played 13 games in 2016 and had decently modest numbers: 51 receptions on 76 targets (67.1%, which is good) and a YPR of 8.07.

A couple of things held him back some. First Buffalo was 32nd in pass attempts. 2nd Woods was always behind Watkins, who was their built-in primary target.

How did Woods play without Watkins?

Watkins was out for games 3-9. (Their bye week was week 10.) Woods played games 1-13.

In the 6 games with Watkins playing, Woods averaged 3.8 targets per game. In the games without Watkins, Woods averaged 8 targets per game. with Watkins playing too, Woods averaged 25 yards a game. Without Watkins, he averaged 66 yards a game.

So that’s something anyway.

Woods, Goff Establishing Chemistry

By Myles Simmons

http://www.therams.com/news-and-events/article-1/Woods-Goff-Establishing-Chemistry/365d9a75-c045-4253-a519-9948910e8eed

When Robert Woods was introduced to local media back in March, he made a point of saying he wanted to get with quarterback Jared Goff and start working as soon as possible. There’s more to be done, but receiver and quarterback appear to be establishing a solid chemistry through the offseason program.

”He’s been great,” Goff said on Monday. “He’s been more than I could have really expected, honestly.”

“We’ve been working,” Woods said. “Pretty much that first week, we were throwing at Westlake High, a couple of the colleges around here. But just trying to get our timing down early so our first impression with [head coach Sean] McVay and [offensive coordinator] Matt LaFleur was a good one.”

That has been the case, with McVay praising the work ethic Woods has displayed on and off the field. But it’s Woods’ versatility that has highlighted his value to the club so far.

“He’s a guy that kind of plays a lot different spots for us, competes well in both the run and the pass — kind of what we had liked about him when we had seen him on tape in Buffalo and going back to even when he was a great player at USC,” McVay said. “He’s been really good so far, one of those guys that you enjoy coaching just because the way that he goes about his work every single day.”

“His work ethic — you can tell how much it means to him and how bad he wants it. He’s just a competitor,” Goff said.

After four seasons with the Bills compiling 203 receptions for 2,451 yards and 12 touchdowns, Woods said he feels he’s had a speedy transition to his new club. With a new coaching staff, he’s just like the rest of the Rams receiving corps in that it’s a new system for everyone.

“I mean, everybody’s getting used to the new offense, everybody’s installing the same thing, so it’s not like I’m far behind or anything,” Woods said. “But just coming out here and trying to get better on the field. We’re trying to build the offense as fast as we can. We have a lot of young weapons, young players, people who will contribute early.”

At age 22, Goff counts as one of those young players. And part of the benefit of Woods signing a five-year contract is that he and Goff have a chance to establish a long-term partnership.

That stands in contrast to what Woods has dealt with in the past, working with multiple quarterbacks in Buffalo.

“I’ve worked with a lot of different guys early on — E.J. Manuel, Tyrod [Taylor], those are the quarterbacks who were there most often, most consistently,” Woods said. “But now, working with Goff, a young quarterback, seeing him communicate in the meeting rooms…the biggest thing — we’re talking so much that we’re seeing it apply on the field.

“We’ve got years and years to come, years to work on it,” Woods added. “But just want to come out and start early — first year, no need to wait. Both early and young, no need to wait, just start now.”

So far, both Woods and Goff have been impressed with the other.

“He wants to be the best he can be every day and you can tell that,” Goff said. “It’s really exciting for me to have a guy like that — multiple guys like that, but him in particular.”

“Work ethic, arm, and accuracy,” Woods said, listing Goff’s standout traits. “You see him coming out here, always working, always first to answer the questions in the meeting rooms. Just coming out here when we work, he listens.”

As McVay often points out, clear and open communication is key. Woods pointed out one play that previously fell incomplete that the pair got right on Monday as an example of how they’re growing together.

“The same pass we completed today, we had the same look a few weeks ago. And this time, he threw it and it was a perfect pass,” Woods said, “He just puts the ball in perfect position for the receivers to make plays.”

WR Robert Woods began working with QB Jared Goff hours after deal

Alex Alarcon

link: http://www.ramsheadquarters.com/wr-robert-woods-began-working-qb-jared-goff-hours-deal/

It did not take long at all after the five-year, $34 million contract was signed in early March that new Los Angeles Rams receiver Robert Woods stated his desire to immediately begin to grow a connection with his new young quarterback, Jared Goff. Boy, he wasn’t kidding either as the two started to began working hours after the ink dried on the contract.
The two exchanged contact information and within hours started to plan the next weeks ahead of working together. Woods and Goff started to meet several teams together at high schools and colleges near the Rams’ Facility until the start of the offseason programs.
For Woods, he said “getting our timing down early. was necessary” Woods, speaking from the start of the Rams’ organized team activities on Monday, is already seeing that timing come together. “The biggest thing is what we were talking in meetings, we’re coming out here and we’re seeing it happen on the field,” Woods said. “We’re seeing how the defense plays, and the big thing is coming out here and executing what we’re talking about.”
Woods and Goff are in line to spend at least the next four years together. And because Woods is a precise route runner who figures to factor heavily into the intermediate passing game, he is perhaps the best bet to lead the 2017 Rams in catches.
Woods was never really that guy with the Bills. His best season, in 2014, included 65 catches for 699 yards and five touchdowns. During his four years in Buffalo, the former USC star played with five different starting quarterbacks, never really able to build a true rapport with a specific passer. With Goff, 22, Woods sees someone with “work ethic, arm and accuracy. You see him coming out here always working, always first to answer the question in the meeting rooms. He listens when we’re out here, communicates.”

alyoshamucci wrote:

[On Kupp.] The consensus for hope is not in his 40, but his 3 cone-agility number … which is an insane 6.54 … basically like Edelman/Welker … the suddenness to create space is what he should be using. 6.75 is fast … most of our WRs are around 7.0 … 6.54 means he turns on a dime and redirects at full speed.

as far as the tape, he convinced me at the Senior Bowl practices …

Robert Woods is looking out for No. 1 receiver role

Gary Klein

http://www.latimes.com/sports/rams/la-sp-rams-robert-woods-20170526-story.html

In a recent ceremony at his old high school, legendary status was bestowed upon Robert Woods.

Gardena Serra made the new Rams receiver the first recipient of “Serra Legend” recognition. In honor of his performance on the field, and the character he displays on and off it, a patch bearing Woods’ name will adorn the jerseys of all future players who wear No. 2 for the Cavaliers.

The Rams were not in search of a legend this offseason when they wooed Woods home with a five-year, $34-million free-agent contract.

New coach Sean McVay wanted a dependable, sure-handed route runner, a respected veteran to set an example for younger players in the locker room.

Woods, however, insists he can be more.

After four NFL seasons mainly playing a secondary role for the Buffalo Bills, there is no doubt in Woods’ mind that he can be a primary receiver.

“I feel like I definitely am a No. 1,” he said in March after an introductory news conference.

Woods, 25, this week repeated his intent to earn that profile when the Rams began organized team activity workouts at Cal Lutheran.

“I always come in attacking the season trying to be the No. 1 receiver,” he said.

The 6-foot, 193-pound Woods must increase his production to achieve that status among fans and NFL observers.

After an All-American career at USC — where he established a school record with 252 receptions in three seasons — he has averaged nearly 51 catches per season since his selection in the second round of the 2013 draft.

Woods has not amassed more than 699 yards receiving in a season, has only three 100-yard receiving games and no multi-touchdown games.

But that was playing in mostly run-based offenses that featured quarterbacks Tyrod Taylor and E.J. Manuel, running back LeSean McCoy and receiver Sammy Watkins.

Last season, the Bills led the NFL in rushing but ranked 30th in passing, one spot ahead of the Rams.

Woods caught 51 passes for 613 yards and a touchdown.

Woods, though, points to a November game against the Seattle Seahawks. He was targeted 13 times and responded with 10 catches for 162 yards, both career bests.

The Rams apparently took notice.

With McVay intent on instilling a new culture, the Rams let 1,000-yard receiver Kenny Britt leave as a free agent. They also did not re-sign receiver Brian Quick.

The Rams pursued receiver Pierre Garcon, who produced under McVay with the Washington Redskins. But when the price got too steep, they turned their attention to Woods.

“A pro’s pro,” McVay said after the first OTA workout.

Woods did not spend much time celebrating his new contract. A few days after signing with the Rams, he began working out with quarterback Jared Goff at a high school near the Rams’ training facility in Thousand Oaks.

“Just trying to get our timing down early,” Woods said, “just so our first impression with McVay and [offensive coordinator] Matt LaFleur was a good one.”

A connection is clearly forming.

During a workout a few weeks ago, Woods said, he and Goff missed on a play when the defense presented a certain look. On Tuesday, the first day of OTA practice, they got the same look.

“And this time, he threw it and it was a perfect pass,” Woods said. “He just puts the ball in perfect position for the receivers to make plays.”

Goff said Woods has been “more than I could have really expected,” noting his competitiveness and adding, “It’s really exciting for me to have a guy like that, multiple guys like that, but him in particular.”

Woods is part of a receiving corps that includes veteran Tavon Austin, second-year pros such as Pharoh Cooper and Mike Thomas and rookies Cooper Kupp and Josh Reynolds, among others.

Austin, who signed a four-year, $42-million extension before last season, is not participating in OTA workouts while recovering from wrist surgery. But McVay has spoken of making him one of the centerpieces of the offense.

Woods, in the meantime, is making an impression.

Rams receivers coach Eric Yarber was on college staffs at Washington and Arizona State when he began tracking Woods at Serra.

“I remember when he was in the ninth grade,” Yarber said. “I had friends on that [Serra] staff that were like, ‘That’s the one you need to be recruiting. Keep an eye on him.’”

Woods has already made an impact on the Rams, Yarber said.

“He sets an example for the room of how to be a pro,” Yarber said. “When you watch him prepare, he’s taking diligent notes, he’s asking very intelligent questions. He just knows how to prepare.

“He values the process over the prize. That’s what the really good ones do.”

Kupp, a third-round pick from Eastern Washington, sees a mentor in Woods.

“I’m just trying to soak up as much as I can and ask as many questions as I can,” Kupp said. “He’s a valuable source of knowledge and information for me.”

The Rams will conduct seven more OTA workouts and then hold a mandatory minicamp before breaking in mid-June. They will return for training camp in late July.

Woods is looking forward to the season and becoming a key component in McVay’s offense.

Last season, with McVay calling plays for the Redskins, Garcon and receiver DeSean Jackson each had at least 100 targets and amassed more than 1,000 yards receiving.

“They find ways to get receivers the ball and become a No. 1,” Woods said at his introductory news conference, “Or two No. 1s.”

zn wrote:

Robert Woods is looking out for No. 1 receiver role

Gary Klein

http://www.latimes.com/sports/rams/la-sp-rams-robert-woods-20170526-story.html

Look at what Woods says in that article (which is back up in this thread) –>.

Last season, with McVay calling plays for the Redskins, Garcon and receiver DeSean Jackson each had at least 100 targets and amassed more than 1,000 yards receiving.

“They find ways to get receivers the ball and become a No. 1,” Woods said at his introductory news conference, “Or two No. 1s.”

Woods wants to be a #1. What does that mean?

Well that’s an old issue of mine, of course. The way it goes is, there’s 2 definitions of a #1 receiver.

1.) it’s an elite talent defenses have to account for at the gameplan level and is the guy the defense must stop and yet challenges them anyway…this is the “a #1 is an elite WR” definition

2.) it’s an receiver of any type and talent level who reaches a certain standard in terms of catches and yards

I like the 2nd definition better. And Woods is saying here that McVay set up both Garcon and DJ to get a certain number of catches and yards. So to me, when he says he wants to a #1 receiver, Woods is stating that he believes he is capable of meeting the standard in terms of completions + yards. He’s using the 2nd definition.

Some don’t like that definition because they are stuck on the 1st definition. For example according to the 2nd definition a guy could become a #1 WR after not being one, AND the list of #1 WRs could change from year to year.

Exactly.

And IMO according to definition #2…which is the definition I prefer…yes Woods could become a #1 WR.

All you have to do to reach that standard is to be so good at the things you DO do and CAN do, that you reach the point where you are reliably consistent game in and game out and therefore get the numbers (for me that’s 70 catches AND 1000 yards). You don’t have to be a dominant elite WR who challenges defenses the way the elite WRs do. You just have to be consistently good at the collection of routes and plays you do excel at, to the point where you just keep producing to the level of the standard.

The way I see it, most elite WRs are #1 WRs, but not all #1 WRs are elite.

Spruce ready to bounce back

http://www.simivalleyacorn.com/news/2017-05-26/Sports/Spruce_ready_to_bounce_back.html

Nelson Spruce had never suffered an injury playing football in high school or college.
That changed once he suited up for the Los Angeles Rams.
Spruce, an undrafted free agent wide receiver out of Westlake High, posted six receptions for 51 yards and one touchdown in a memorable preseason debut against the Dallas Cowboys last year. He got hurt during the game, however.
The setback came at an inopportune moment for Spruce, a rookie at the time.
“It was a big blow,” he said.
Preseason games provide the best opportunities for unproven players—especially undrafted free agents—to showcase their talents.
Despite the untimely injury, the Rams saw enough to keep the receiver on board. Spruce missed the remaining three preseason games last year, but he made the final 53-man roster.
The injury bug, however, reared its ugly head again. While recovering from a sprained knee, he suffered a calf injury. The Rams shut him down for the rest of the season, placing him on injured reserve in November.

“It was tough, mentally, just staying into it,” Spruce said. “The other guys on IR, we formed a close group, and that helped us get through our different injuries.”
The 2016 season was not kind to Spruce, but last year is in the rearview mirror.
He feels better than ever.
“Everything feels fine. I feel 100 percent, no issues,” Spruce said. “I haven’t felt like that in a year almost.”
Spruce stood out on a field of professional athletes during Rams’ organized team activities on May 22 at Cal Lutheran.
He was flying all over the field, running crisp routes and snaring every spiral tossed in his direction.
Spruce is no stranger to having the ball nestled securely in his hands.
During his time at the University of Colorado Boulder, Spruce set a record for most career receptions in the Pac-12 Conference with 294 catches.
Cooper Kupp, a Rams’ rookie wide receiver out of Eastern Washington, spoke highly of Spruce.
“He’s a great guy, a great competitor,” Kupp said. “I’m really excited to be on the same team as him.”
Getting to practice is never an issue for Spruce.
“It’s almost surreal just because it feels like I’m back in high school again,” Spruce said. “I’m still living at my parents’ place. I’ll wake up and drive over here to the facilities. It’s kind of like a high school routine almost. It’s a unique experience.”
Spruce enjoys playing close to home, but he wants to earn the fans’ respect. After battling his way back from injuries, he’s motivated to play well in the fall.
“It’s been humbling for me,” Spruce said. “The past few years at high school or in Colorado, I’m used to coming off a big season production-wise and actually playing. This is the first season that I didn’t really touch the field because of an injury.
“At first it was tough, but it lit a fire in me a little bit.”
Spruce is hoping Rams’ quarterback Jared Goff can help keep the flame burning.
Goff, who played at California, met Spruce when both toiled in the Pac-12. They had a quality relationship before becoming teammates with the Rams.
“We are friends,” Spruce said. “Off the field we do a lot of stuff together.”
The Rams will hope the friendship off the field will translate into success on the field.
Goff, a second-year pro, is now the unquestioned starter.
The QB is constantly evaluating his game while trying to find ways to improve.
“I’m growing as a person, as a player and as a leader,” Goff said. “Everything is always evolving.”
For Spruce, the new season presents a new opportunity. He will have to prove himself all over again with a new coaching staff and greater expectations.
He’s not afraid of the challenge.