NFL Analysis
9/10/24
4 min read
Tyler Johnson Could Be Rams' Next Breakout Star With Nacua Out
The Los Angeles Rams will be without breakout star WR Puka Nacua for the next few weeks, opening the door for Tyler Johnson and other receivers down the depth chart to have breakout seasons.
Nacua suffered a sprained PCL in the team's season opener against the Detroit Lions. The Rams are placing the second-year wideout on injured reserve, meaning he'll miss the next four weeks of action.
Matthew Stafford will have to lean even more on his favorite target, Cooper Kupp. The former Super Bowl MVP was targeted 21 times for 14 catches, 110 yards, and a touchdown in the overtime loss to the Lions.
Kupp will remain a focal point in the Rams offense, but coach Sean McVay needs someone else to step up at receiver to keep the offense going during Nacua's extended absence.
Johnson Could be the Rams' next breakout Star
After four seasons as a journeyman receiver, Johnson finally got his opportunity to shine in Week 1.
Johnson quickly became a top target in the Rams offense following Nacua's injury. He finished the game with five receptions for 79 yards on seven targets, including this impressive move after the catch for a 63-yard gain.
Tyler Johnson goes 63 yards #OneOfUs pic.twitter.com/5DxRnq1zHG
— CJ Fogler account may or may not be notable (@cjzero) September 9, 2024
Although he's not the most explosive or elusive receiver, Johnson was a great contested-catch weapon in college at Minnesota. His best traits were his body control and play strength, getting the most of his 208-pound frame to be a mismatch against smaller defensive backs.
That's a solid skill set opposite of Kupp, who thrives on creating separation as a nuanced route runner. More elite cornerbacks will be tasked with covering the former All-Pro, allowing Johnson to be a potential mismatch against less talented defensive backs.
Despite that potential role, Johnson has yet to find sustained success. His best season came with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2021 when he caught 36 passes for 360 yards and zero touchdowns. It's noteworthy that Johnson was buried on the depth chart behind weapons like Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, and Antonio Brown that season.
Johnson hasn't seen much playing time outside of that, but he's still only 26 years old. Some legitimate snap counts in 2024 could help him realize his full potential while Nacua recovers from his knee injury.
Other Rams Receiving Options
Johnson isn't the only Rams receiver who should see an uptick in playing time and opportunities during the next few weeks.
Demarcus Robinson made the most of his limited opportunities on Sunday, catching four of seven targets for 42 yards, with three of those catches resulting in first downs. According to RBSDM, he had the highest expected points added of any receiver, generating 5.70 EPA in just eight plays.
Although he's never put up big numbers, Robinson has been a solid veteran option wherever he's played. That includes a six-year stint with the Kansas City Chiefs. In 2019. he started multiple playoff games during their first Super Bowl run of the Patrick Mahomes era.
Don't sleep on Jordan Whittington, either. The sixth-round rookie out of Texas had a strong preseason that helped him become a rotational receiver heading into Week 1. He has solid size as a 202-pound wideout who plays with physicality and playmaking ability after the catch. Although he had no catches in Week 1, he could keep finding his way onto the field with Nacua on injured reserve.
Tutu Atwell remains another viable option despite his 165-pound frame. He only played six snaps in Week 1 but caught 39 passes for 483 yards and three touchdowns in 2023. His limited frame but explosive play style could make him a matchup-specific option for McVay in the coming weeks.
