Before even parting ways with Cooper Kupp, the Los Angeles Rams added his replacement when they signed Davante Adams to a two-year deal worth $44 million with $26 million guaranteed. It was a big splash from the Rams and Sean McVay was at the forefront of the recruiting process.
Adding a true X receiver to the Rams offense seems like a great idea on paper, and Adams should excel in McVay’s scheme where route combinations and pre-snap motion help receivers get open more easily. However, NFL executives have questioned the fit.
Mike Sando of The Athletic talked to execs around the league and among the concerns they have are Adams’ ability to consistently separate at this stage of his career and his willingness to do the “dirty work” when it comes to blocking and catching passes over the middle.
“Davante is a little better separator (than Kupp), but there has been a dropoff in his ability to get consistently open,” another exec said.
Some also wondered how Adams would fit in McVay’s scheme, which often puts receivers in condensed sets and features them as blockers. Could Adams evolve the way Larry Fitzgerald did later in his career? One exec found that unlikely.
“Larry was willing to get rugged, block, do some dirty work over the middle,” this exec said.
The Rams obviously have no worries about Adams’ separation skills or his blocking, which are two important traits for any receiver in McVay’s offense. If you can’t block, you won’t play.
The blocking ability of Kupp, Puka Nacua and Robert Woods over the years made the Rams offense what it is, allowing McVay to keep three receivers on the field at all times with his patented 11 personnel packages. It’s imperative that all three receivers can block when the Rams do run the ball.
Adams is known more for his ball skills and route running than he is for his blocking, but what wideout isn't? Even at 32 years old, there’s no reason to believe he won’t be bought in to McVay’s system when the pads come on and he has to block a corner or safety.
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: Davante Adams signing: NFL execs question WR's fit with Rams
