The Los Angeles Rams praised wide receiver Van Jefferson for passing the “Cooper Kupp” test throughout the process of the 2020 NFL Draft. It appears quarterback Jared Goff has already started to notice it firsthand.
Jefferson has wasted no time in turning heads with his highlight catches in training camp so far.
The Rams quarterback even compared his quick progress to that of a rookie Kupp, via Josh Alper of Pro Football Talk:
“Van has been really good, man,” Goff said. “He’s been really good. I say that cautiously because you never want these young guys to get too far ahead of themselves. But he’s been really impressive and done a good job. It reminds me a lot of when Cooper [Kupp] was a rookie, and he was just so far ahead of where a rookie kind of should be. He’s done a great job. He’s really picking things up fast. He’s obviously extremely athletic, but I think his ability to be able to pick up the offense mentally and understand the little intricacies of it has been really impressive, and I’m excited to play with him.”
It is encouraging to see that the restrictions placed in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic this offseason seemingly did little to stunt Jefferson's development with the Rams. Of course, this is hardly surprising given his pedigree as the son of New York Jets receiver coach Shawn Jefferson.
Goff's comments are certainly a positive sign for the state of the receiving corps heading into the 2020 NFL season. The Rams were dealt a major blow this offseason after trading wide receiver Brandin Cooks and it remains to be seen who will fill the void in a trio alongside Kupp and wide receiver Robert Woods.
Jefferson will be competing with wide receiver Josh Reynolds for that coveted No. 3 spot in the passing game. Given Goff's affinity for throwing to Kupp, his likeness to him as a rookie could help pay huge dividends when it comes to etching out a role for himself in McVay's offense.
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