Los Angeles Rams: 5 players who must improve in 2018

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - NOVEMBER 05: Los Angeles Rams quarterback Jared Goff (16) warms up prior to the National Football League game between the New York Giants and the Los Angeles Rams on November 5, 2017, at Met Life Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ. (Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

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4. Pharoh Cooper

The Rams upgraded by trading for Brandin Cooks after losing Sammy Watkins in free agency, and Robert Woods and Cooper Kupp look like suitable No. 2 and No. 3 wide receivers respectively. But there may be room for another wide receiver to step up.

The Rams have used mid-to-late round draft picks multiple times in recent years, with Cooper (fourth round) and Mike Thomas (sixth round) drafted in 2016 and Josh Reynolds (fourth round) coming aboard in the 2017 draft. The trio have combined for 44 regular season receptions. The most notable contribution of the group of the group came from Cooper as a return man last year, when he led the league kickoff return average (27.4 yards per) and was selected First Team All-Pro as a return man.

Tavon Austin never really found his way as a pass catcher/multi-purpose weapon for the Rams, due in part to the previous coaching regime. An increase in imagination offensively, driven by McVay, creates the potential for someone to fill a role like that and be a factor. Cooper looks like a good fit for that, with a more secure roster spot than Thomas or Reynolds.

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