Never shy about using draft capital to reel in proven veterans, the Rams surprised absolutely no one Wednesday by perching themselves on the doorstep of a trade forChiefs Pro Bowl cornerback Trent McDuffie.
The deal won’t be officialuntil the start of the NFL’s new league year next Wednesday, but thelinchpin is the first-round pickthe Rams are sending the Chiefs, the No. 29 pick overall in next month’s draft.
In addition, they are trading a fifth- and sixth-rounder this year and a third-round pick in next year’s draft.
Just like that,the Ramsshored up their biggest weakness with a 25-year-old cornerback just entering the prime of his career.
It also adds tremendous intrigue to the asset they managed to hang onto. Remember, the Rams also have the 13th pick overall in next month’s draft, which they can now use in any number of ways after proactively addressing their greatest need byacquiring McDuffie.
After taking care of the cornerback spot, the Rams could turn their attention to offense, where they need another wide receiver to slot alongside Puka Nacua and Davante Adams.
Adams turns 34 years old next December and is heading into the last year of his contract. So his time in Los Angeles comes with an expiration date. Lemon easily projects as the eventual replacement for Adams in the Rams’ receiver pecking order, while also making an immediate impact alongside Adams and Nacua.
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Lemon isn’t the biggest or fastest wide receiver, but he’s virtually unguardable out of the slot as an intelligent and precise route runner with immaculate ball skills. He wins battles, flat out, whether it’s getting open or fighting for the ball.
The Rams are in win-now mode, which makes Lemon the perfect pick as a Day 1 contributor and a massive part of their future.
Source: California Post – Breaking California News, Photos & Videos
