The Los Angeles Rams training camp kicked off its second week in pads. It was scheduled to be a run install-focused practice, but no one told fourth-year wide receiver Tyler Johnson that. Johnson stood out among all wide receivers not named Puka Nacua or Cooper Kupp.
Johnson spent much of last year on the Rams practice squad behind several players. He caught two passes for eight yards and a touchdown in Week 18 against the San Francisco 49ers when most starters for both teams were resting. That touchdown was instrumental in the Rams winning that game by one point
The former Minnesota Golden Gophers wide receiver was initially drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and seemed to be progressing well, even in a room occupied by two amazing pass catchers, Mike Evans and Chris Godwin. In his second year, Johson caught 36 passes for 360 yards on the way to a Super Bowl victory.
Certainly not a superstar performance, but one that proved his worth on a roster. But he was cut by the Buccs and then the Houston Texans, then he rode LA’s bench for a season.
Tyler Johnson Impressed With Bennett At Quarterback At Rams Training Camp
But today at Rams training camp, he flashed what he could be. Johnson was Stetson Bennett’s preferred target, showing what he could do downfield on deep passing routes. He made two Bennett throws look like dimes, including one that Johnson hauled in in the end zone.
His efforts did not and have not gone unnoticed by Sean McVay.
“I’ve been really impressed. I think he’s been one of the bright spots in terms of the overall improvement, a guy that’s comfortable doing what we’re asking. He’s an NFL player. He can make plays. He’s big physical. You can see he’s running better as well. He’s got great aggressive hands at the contact point, but I think he’s doing an excellent job being able to work edges.”
“As you can see, he was an awesome basketball player.He’s wired to be able to separate work edges. He’s made a bunch of big plays down the field, and so I’ve been super impressed and super pleased with Tyler Johnson. He’s definitely been one of the bright spots so far, without a doubt.”
There isn’t a clear spot for him on the roster at the moment. The Rams generally keep six receivers on the roster heading into a season. And that may drop to five with an increased value put on the running game and tight ends.
The top three seem to be locked up with Kupp, Nacua, and Demarcus Robinson. Behind them are Tutu Atwell and rookie sixth-rounder Jordan Whittington. That sixth spot is what he will need to earn. Days like today is what he will need to show to wrap it up.
The big question is, will he build that chemistry with Jimmy Garoppolo? Bennett was elevated to Johnson’s squad because Stafford was given the day off. Johnson is usually paired with Garoppolo. He has mostly leaned toward tight ends and Atwell thus far in camp.
