Rams want to diversify the offense…but how exactly?

Is it speed, size, explosiveness, or all of the above?

In his end of the season remarks for 2024, Sean McVay stated that the focus for 2025 would be diversifying the offense for the 2025 season. But what McVay did not quite elaborate on was whether that was adding more speed, size, agility, explosiveness, or a blend of all of those attributes.

So far this offseason, Los Angeles has parted ways with Cooper Kupp and Jonah Jackson. In addition, they let Demarcus Robinson depart for San Francisco. Kupp’s release was foreseen with his cap hit and his decline in performance in the 2nd half of the season. Kupp’s inability to create separation was evident. Perhaps because of a lack of speed and explosion…?

In return, LA signed Davante Adams and Coleman Shelton, while also re-signing Tutu Atwell.

Those two moves helped the explosion and speed boxes; adding Adams’s explosion and re-committing to Atwell’s speed. But the Rams depth chart still projects to start players like Kyren Williams and Colby Parkinson (or an aging and banged up Tyler Higbee) that are considered “poor” in the explosion department. The Rams offense was most dynamic with a healthy Todd Gurley in the backfield. Brandin Cooks provided speed on the outside. A young Robert Woods and Cooper Kupp provided size and agility.

Heading into next week, I think the offense can still diversify with a running back and wide receiver / tight end that can provide speed and explosion. TreVeyon Henderson’s profile fits what the Rams may be looking for. Here is his scouting analysis according to NFL.com:

Henderson is capable of starring on third downs or biting off a bigger chunk as a three-down option. He has average size but above-average juice with good acceleration. He’s an average decision-maker inside and is not overly creative once confronted by the defense, but he has the pacing and subtle shiftiness to excel as an outside runner. He might be the best pass-protecting running back in this draft and is more than capable as a pass-catcher. Henderson isn’t Jahmyr Gibbs, but he can operate in a similar role for teams looking to add a more dynamic player to their running back room.

As for a wideout or tight end, a player that makes sense would be Isaac Teslaa out of Arkansas. His size and athleticism would create mismatches on smaller defensive backs. As a guy with limited college production, he should be available on Day 2 or even Day 3. The Rams tried to make Jacob Harris work in 2020, but maybe Isaac Teslaa is a more polished version.

The Detroit Lions offense is an excellent example of replicating an offensive roster that is diverse for 2025. Detroit has utilized a thunder and lightning approach with David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs respectively. From there, the playmakers on the outside consist of Jameson Williams (speed), Amon St. Brown (explosion), and Sam Laporta (speed, explosion, and agility).

In one more week, we’ll know if Sean McVay plans to add any more tools to his bag. Stay tuned for the NFL Draft starting on Thursday, April 24th at 7:00 PM!