It was a disappointing year for the Los Angeles Rams in 2019 after they failed to make the postseason for the first time under Sean McVay. Of course, their absence from the playoffs came just one year after advancing to their first Super Bowl since 2001.
Following their disheartening campaign from last year, the Rams have made a slew of changes to the roster and the coaching staff. While Los Angeles has new coordinators at all three levels, they also moved on from Todd Gurley and Brandin Cooks on offense.
As for the defense, the Rams parted ways with Cory Littleton, Dante Fowler, Clay Matthews, Nickell Robey-Coleman. Also, Eric Weddle is now retired. With all of the changes that Los Angeles has made, there are players that will need to step into prominent roles next season. Let's take a look at three potential breakout players for the Rams in the 2020 season.
Micah Kiser
Ever since the days of James Laurinaitis, the Rams have been lacking a true run-defending inside linebacker. Back in the fifth round of the 2018 NFL Draft, Los Angeles had expectations of Micah Kiser filling that role in the defense. At Virginia, Kiser accumulated 393 tackles and 33.5 tackles for loss in his final three collegiate seasons.
However, in his second year with the Rams, Kiser tore his pectoral and missed the entire 2019 season. Fast forward to now and without Littleton manning the inside, Kiser is going to have a clear shot for a starting role in 2020.
Josh Reynolds
Once again, the Rams underwent some changes on the offensive side of the ball in the past few months. Besides releasing Gurley, Los Angeles sent Cooks to the Houston Texans in exchange for the No. 57 pick in the 2020 NFL Draft.
While the Rams took Van Jefferson — a wide receiver out of Florida — with the No. 57 selection, Josh Reynolds figures to replace Cooks in the offense. Just two years ago, when Cooper Kupp went down with a knee injury, Reynolds was able to haul in 22 passes for 304 yards and three touchdowns in Kupp's absence — which was a total of six games in the regular season.
With an increased workload in 2020, Reynolds can become the No. 3 wide receiver for the Rams behind Kupp and Robert Woods.
Taylor Rapp
Versatile safeties have become a valuable asset to have in the NFL and the Rams employ one that has potential in Taylor Rapp. Last offseason, Rapp was a second-round pick in the 2019 NFL Draft for Los Angeles. The Washington product was able to notch 100 combined tackles, eight pass breakups, and two interceptions in his rookie season.
Rapp, who recently went viral for burning over 10,000 calories in a single day, is positioned to take over for Weddle at strong safety. A secondary of Rapp, John Johnson, Jalen Ramsey, and Troy Hill could be dominant for the Rams next season. Not to mention, the emergence of either Darious Williams or David Long at nickel cornerback.
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