Rams' History with Speedy WRs: Will Branch Break the Trend?

0:00On April 7th, the Los Angeles Rams have struck out twice with small, speedy wide receivers over the last decade. First of on Austin drafted 8th overall back in 2013, never topped 500 receiving yards in a season. Then 2-2 at-well in 2021, who hit that mark just once before bouncing in free agency. Now fans are buzzing about Georgia's Zachariah branch as the next fix. Branch checks the same boxes at 5 foot 9 and 177 pounds, with a 4.3540 time. But the Rams offense just hasn't clicked with these gadget types, who knee plays drawn up just for them. Austin got traded after a decent 2015, and at-well managed only one touchdown before his $10 million deal fizzled. Fans keep hoping for a DeShawn Jackson or Tyree Kill Breakout, but those are rare exceptions. More often these guys end up like role players, such as Zay Flowers or Curtis Samuel, if they pan out at all. The hype around Branch mirrors the past letdowns, especially since he's around the 63rd best prospect on draft boards.

1:04Experts point out Branch shines on highlights and jet sweeps, but lacks real route running chops for big volume. He's better as a motion guy, or decoy, not a full-time starter. Undrafted Xavier Smith already feels that change up role without forcing it, proving you don't need a high pick. Rams' brass would be smart to skip the rebound pick, and hunt bigger threats, who create their own shots, like Puke Nakua. History says, chasing the same speedy profile won't flip the script this time. NFL News today, powered by AI bringing you what matters on Game Day.